83

1908 Nov 18
Logic
I.i.2

This manner is such that when one knows anything familiarly,
one familiarly knows that one knows it can can also distinguish it
from other things. Common familiar knowledge is such that each
knower knows that every other familiarly knows it, and familiarly
knows that every other one of the knowers has a familiar knowledge of
all this. Of course, two endless series of knowings are involved; but knowing
is not an action but a habit, which may remain passive for an indefinite time.
You have an advantage over me in this matter, since you know
something about me, while I do not even know that you exist. Nevertheless
I know that if you exist you have some acquaintance
with the English language, and that you have some notion of the
grammar of our Aryan language, and it will be safe to assume
that we have a common familiar knowledge of the ordinary
truths of human life. I shall risk the assumption that you