Ann Manor

"There is enough argumentative power in the fact that we find no dissemblance at all within the human race. If there were such differences, one definition would not suffice to embrace all people. ("Reasoning animal" would not apply to all.) The fact is, our power of reasoning, by which we distance ourselves from the beasts, a power that makes us put forth theories, discuss topics, refute contradictions, dissert about subjects and fabricate objects, that power is certainly common to all people. In spite of the cultural differences, we are equal in the ability to learn.

"For the same objects are grasped by the senses. The objects that prompt the senses move them in all people (not just in some men or women). The things that are imprinted in the minds -- of which I spoke before -- are imprinted the same way in all minds, that is as the stimulation of comprehension. (We all have the same common sense.) The speeches (languages) may differ as interpreters of the mind, however they all meet in the substance of truth.

"And there is not anyone in any nation who cannot attain a virtuous life, being endowed with nature itself as his leading force."

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 - 43 BC) "of Law" - Book 1, Chapter 30 (51 BC)