_C._ I think not; for I have known very senseless Fellows to be
Masters of two or three Languages; and mighty full of their Logic, or
their Rhetoric.
_S._ Perhaps some Men may understand all the Forms and Terms of
Logic, or all the Figures of Rhetoric, and yet be no more able to
convince or to perswade, than others who have not learnt those
Things?
_C._ Indeed I believe they may.
_S._ Will not the Knowledge of the Mathematicks, Astronomy, and
Natural Philosophy, those sublime Sciences, give a Right to the
Character of _a Man of Sense_.
_C._ At first Sight I should have thought they might: But upon
Recollection I must own I have known some Men, Masters of those
Sciences, who, in the Management of their Affairs, and _Conduct of
their Lives_, have acted very weakly, I do not mean viciously but
foolishly; and therefore I cannot find in my Heart to allow 'em the
Character of _Men of Sense._
_S._ It seems then, that no Knowledge will serve to give this
Character, but the Knowledge of our _true Interest_; that is, of what
is best to be done in all the Circumstances of Humane Life, in order
to arrive at our main End in View, HAPPINESS.
_C._ I am of the same Opinion. And now, as to the Point in
Hand, I suppose you will no longer doubt whether a vicious Man may
deserve the Character of a Man of Sense, since 'tis certain that
there are many Men who _know_ their true Interest, &c.
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