"This is precaution.
"This quality is indispensable to the formation of the reasoning power; for, in addition to the necessity of foreseeing certain results, it permits also of directing their course, if it be impossible to exempt them completely.
"Reasoning is the art of developing, to the highest degree, the suppositions resulting from deduction.
"One is usually mistaken as to the exact meaning of the words 'to reason,' and people seldom attach the importance to them which they should.
"One is apt to think that the gift of reasoning is bestowed upon every one.
"Perhaps; but to reason, following the principles of justice and truth, is an operation which can only be performed by minds endowed with common sense.
"In order to arrive at this result, it is essential to impress upon oneself the value of the words, 'to deduct accurately,' after having produced the radiation of thoughts which depend upon the object in question, and to foresee the consequences of the facts that a resolution could determine.
"Above all, to avoid contentment with the approximate, which conceals many pitfalls under false appearances.
"Without permitting oneself to express useless trivialities, not to neglect to become impregnated with those axioms which have been rightfully baptized, 'wisdom of nations.'
"They are generally based on a secular observation, and are the product of many generations.