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Quotation from Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
“If some man in Bedlam should entertaine you with sober discourse; and you desire in taking leave, to know what he were, that you might another time requite his civility; and he should tell you, he were God the Father; I think you need expect no extravagant action for argument of his Madnesse”
Leviathan, Part I, Ch. VIII (1651 text (original spelling))
Hobbes argues that claims of private inspiration are themselves sufficient evidence of madness.
Citation: "If some man in Bedlam should entertaine you with sober discourse; and you desire in taking leave, to know what he were, that you might another time requite his civility; and he should tell you, he were God the Father; I think you need expect no extravagant action for argument of his Madnesse" — Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, Part I, Ch. VIII (1651 text (original spelling)). (id leviathan-q5)
Portrait: Thomas Hobbes (copy after an original of c.1669–1670), John Michael Wright, Public domain.
