Introduction to the History of Hebrew Philosophy

...they produce, performing the duty of critics rather than historians; but whether their labor will be as necessary today as the labor of those who investigate the true dogmas of the ancients and reveal their origins original: "natales"; literally "birth-origins" or "lineages," referring to how ideas are born within specific schools of thought. within philosophical schools, I leave to others to judge.

To me, certainly, the necessity and utility of this matter seemed so great that, although I am not sufficiently equipped with the tools original: "praesidiis"; literally "defenses" or "supports," referring here to the scholarly resources, libraries, and expertise needed for such an undertaking. such a great work requires, I nevertheless deemed it wise to inspire others by my example to produce more refined works. Indeed, having properly surveyed and weighed all things, I have decided within myself to go through all the sects of philosophers, both ancient and modern. My plan is first to sufficiently narrate their origin, progress, and end (if indeed they reached one), along with their principal followers in order. Then, having set forth their doctrine as briefly as possible, I will demonstrate what benefit or harm flowed from them into the church, by attaching to each sect a dissertation on a particular major chapter of church history original: "historiae ecclesiasticae".

By way of a specimen, this very introduction which we now present to the readers' eyes can serve as an introduction to the history of the philosophy of the Hebrews. For by the same law or method—if God favors the undertaking and grants strength of mind and body, and the other things necessary for this work—I have resolved to deal with the other sects of philosophers as well. For I intend to treat the Chaldeans, the Arabs, the Phoenicians, the Egyptians, and the Indians, likewise the Greeks and the Romans, and indeed all other nations who [applied themselves] to a good mind original: "bonae menti"; a classical phrase referring to intellectual cultivation, virtue, or the pursuit of wisdom....