Antikrisis: A Short Rejoinder and Defense

...[most learn]ed, and most robust, most observant of the faith of all, not only embracing simplicity and truth, but also proving them in practice. Concerning the remaining great works original: "magnalibus"; often used in this period to refer to great wonders or alchemical feats. and mysteries, there is deep silence everywhere; except that he admits the country-folk original: "ruricolas" possess such rudeness of manners that hardly any outsider can win their friendship. Furthermore, they are of such laziness and folly that they give more than enough credit even to those reporting impossible things. They are so ignorant of Natural Philosophy Natural Philosophy: The study of nature and the physical universe; the precursor to modern science., however, that they consider all the workings of nature to be divine.

But as for myself, I have always held a modest opinion of my own abilities, nor was it ever my intention to fight against justice; I have aimed for this one thing alone: that by whatever means I could, I might obtain some response—one that is solid, not haphazard—even from those who are unwilling. So great is the innate love of knowledge original: "cognitionis amor" and science within us that no one can doubt that human nature is drawn to these things, even when offered no reward. Do we not see how even children cannot be deterred from observing and investigating things, even by beatings? How, when driven away, they return to their search, rejoicing that they know something, and longing to tell others?