6. But to compare clear, complete ideas, under steady names.
But since the knowledge of the certainty of
principles, as well as of all other truths, depends only upon the perception we have of the agreement or
disagreement of our ideas, the way to improve our knowledge is not, I am sure, blindly, and with an implicit faith,
to receive and swallow principles; but is, I think, to get and fix in our minds clear, distinct, and complete ideas, as
far as they are to be had, and annex to them proper and constant names. And thus, perhaps, without any other
principles, but barely considering those perfect ideas, and by comparing them one with another, finding their
agreement and disagreement, and their several relations and habitudes; we shall get more true and clear
knowledge by the conduct of this one rule than by taking up principles, and thereby putting our minds into the
disposal of others.
