Quotation by
William Whewell
Fundamental ideas are not a consequence of experience, but a result of the particular constitution and activity of the mind, which is independent of all experience in its origin, though constantly combined with experience in its exercise.
Advertisement
Understanding this quote AI Analysis
William Whewell is saying that basic concepts come from how the mind is naturally built and works, rather than from what we experience in the world. Although these ideas start independently of experience, they are always used together with experience when we think or learn.
More by this author
All quotes by William Whewell →