Thomas Hobbes: 'Prudence is but experience, which equal time, equally bestows on all men, in those things they equally apply themselves unto.'

Prudence is but experience, which equal time, equally bestows on all men, in those things they equally apply themselves unto.

In his quote, Thomas Hobbes states, "Prudence is but experience, which equal time, equally bestows on all men, in those things they equally apply themselves unto." At first glance, this quote may seem straightforward, suggesting that prudence is simply gained through the accumulation of experience over time, available to all individuals who dedicate themselves equally to their endeavors. This perspective highlights the notion that prudence is not an innate trait but rather a skill that can be developed by anyone who invests effort and time into a particular field. However, to bring an unexpected philosophical concept into the discussion, we can contrast Hobbes' view with the ancient Greek notion of fate or destiny, which introduces an element of predetermined occurrences and challenges the idea of total control over one's experiences.In Hobbes' quote, the emphasis on "experience" asserts that prudence is a result of accumulated knowledge gained by individuals through their time spent applying themselves to a specific discipline or pursuit. Essentially, it suggests that one's level of prudence is directly proportional to their dedication and commitment in a given area. This notion aligns with the popular concept that expertise and wisdom are products of experience, emphasizing the importance of time as a determining factor in an individual's degree of prudence.By linking prudence to experience, Hobbes addresses the universality of gaining prudence. He argues that all individuals have an equal opportunity to become prudent, provided they devote themselves equally to the same endeavor. This egalitarian perspective suggests that prudence is not restricted to a select few but can be attained by anyone willing to put in the necessary effort and time.However, when we introduce the philosophical concept of fate or destiny, a different perspective emerges. This notion challenges the assumption that prudence is solely a result of an individual's efforts and suggests the existence of predestined events that may shape experiences in ways beyond an individual's control. According to this perspective, prudence could be influenced not only by personal dedication but also by external forces acting upon one's life.The idea of fate, prevalent in ancient Greek philosophy, implies that certain events are predetermined, and individuals must navigate through them accordingly. This philosophical view presents a contrasting viewpoint to Hobbes' stance, as it highlights the potential limitations on an individual's ability to equally apply themselves and gain experience. While Hobbes suggests that prudence is a product of individual effort, the concept of fate opens up the possibility that external circumstances could significantly impact one's opportunities for experience, therefore influencing their prudence.In summary, Thomas Hobbes' quote asserts that prudence is the result of experience, which is equally accessible to all individuals who dedicate themselves equally. This perspective emphasizes the role of time and effort in acquiring prudence. However, when we introduce the philosophical concept of fate, the idea of predetermined events challenges the claim that an individual's prudence is solely determined by their own endeavors. This contrast in perspectives sparks further debate and contemplation, inviting us to consider the interplay between individual agency and external circumstances in the pursuit of prudence.