1001Philosophers

Antoine Arnauld Quotes

Antoine Arnauld was a French Catholic theologian, logician, and philosopher and the leading figure of the Jansenist movement at Port-Royal. With Pierre Nicole he produced the Port-Royal Logic, a Cartesian-influenced manual of reasoning that long defined the teaching of logic in France and elsewhere. The quotes below are attributed to Antoine Arnauld, organized by topic.

Antoine Arnauld on God

  • Attributed to Antoine Arnauld:

    “True religion never sacrifices truth to the convenience of the moment.”

Antoine Arnauld on Knowledge

  • Attributed to Antoine Arnauld:

    “Clear and distinct ideas are the foundation of certainty.”

  • Attributed to Antoine Arnauld:

    “Definition begins with the analysis of what is already understood.”

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Antoine Arnauld on Mind

  • Attributed to Antoine Arnauld:

    “Logic is the art of thinking.”

Antoine Arnauld on Truth

  • Attributed to Antoine Arnauld:

    “It is necessary, when one wishes to learn the truth, to abandon all prejudices.”

Read all Antoine Arnauld quotes on Truth