George Berkeley

Philosophy Irish 1685 – 1753 93 quotes

An empiricist who famously argued for subjective idealism, stating 'Esse est percipi' ('To be is to be perceived').

Quotes by George Berkeley

Education is the art of kindling the mind.

Speech

Life is a dream, and we are the dreamers.

Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous 1713

The universe is the language of God.

Siris 1744

Pain and pleasure are relative to the mind.

A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge 1710

I am, therefore I perceive.

A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge 1710

The world is supported by the perception of God.

A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge 1710

Wit is the unexpected copulation of ideas.

Alciphron 1732

To be blind is not miserable; not to see God is.

Personal reflection

The end of all philosophy is the knowledge of God.

Siris 1744

Matter is an illusion of the senses.

A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge 1710

In the beginning, all was darkness; then came light.

Siris 1744

The soul never dies.

Letter

Reason is the gift of God to man.

Alciphron 1732