Ask the gardener why he
thinks yonder cherry-tree exists in the garden, and he shall tell
you, because he sees and feels it; in a word, because he
perceives it by his senses. Ask him why he thinks an orange-tree
not to be there, and he shall tell you, because he does not
perceive it. What he perceives by sense, that he terms a real,
being, and saith it
; but, that which is not
perceivable, the same, he saith, hath no being.
. Yes, Philonous, I grant the existence of a sensible
thing consists in being perceivable, but not in being actually
perceived.
. And what is perceivable but an idea? And can an idea
exist without being actually perceived? These are points long
since agreed between us.
. But, be your opinion never so true, yet surely you
will not deny it is shocking, and contrary to the common sense of
men. {235} Ask the fellow whether yonder tree hath an existence
out of his mind: what answer think you he would make?
. The same that I should myself, to wit, that it doth
exist out of his mind.
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