2482. I may be permitted to add that the learned in the literate world who want to enter by philosophical ways even into the earthly mysteries of the soul, and still more those who want to enter thus into the mysteries of faith, have blinded themselves even to the point that they afterwards see nothing, nor do they believe; so that one who has never thought at all about these matters, and still possesses native discernment, is very many times more learned. 1748, 1 July.