and starting from premises thus uncertain, we
succeed in presenting a broad outline of the truth: when our subjects and our premises are
merely generalities, it is enough if we arrive at generally valid conclusions. Accordingly
we may ask the student also to accept the various views we put forward in the same spirit;
for it is the mark of an educated mind to expect that amount of exactness in each kind
which the nature of the particular subject admits. It is equally unreasonable to accept
merely probable conclusions from a mathematician and to demand strict demonstration from
an orator.
[
5]
Again, each man judges correctly those matters with which he is acquainted; it is of
these that he is a competent critic.