Untruth being unacceptable to the mind of man, there is no other defence left for absurdity but obscurity

Untruth being unacceptable to the mind of man, there is no other defence left for absurdity but obscurity

John Locke, a prominent figure in the Enlightenment era, was a firm believer in the power of reason and rationality. He argued that untruths are unacceptable to the human mind because they go against the very nature of our ability to think critically and logically. In his work, Locke emphasized the importance of seeking truth through clear and coherent reasoning, rather than relying on obscure or irrational beliefs.

Locke's statement that "Untruth being unacceptable to the mind of man, there is no other defence left for absurdity but obscurity" speaks to his belief that when faced with ideas that are illogical or false, the only way to defend them is to obscure the truth. In other words, those who promote absurd or irrational beliefs often resort to using confusing or convoluted arguments to mask the flaws in their reasoning.

For Locke, the key to combating absurdity and falsehood is to shine a light on them through clear and rational discourse. By engaging in open and honest dialogue, we can expose the weaknesses in faulty arguments and promote a more enlightened understanding of the world. Locke believed that by challenging untruths and obscurities with reason and evidence, we can ultimately arrive at a more accurate and truthful understanding of reality.