“The Greeks excelled at a form of reasoning known as abstract geometry, until recently taught as grand training for the mind, that tradition says was invented primarily by Thales (in the early sixth century B.C.). It is particularly good for the proper exercise of deductive reasoning, which allows new statements to be generated from accepted facts. Thus, there is the possibility of step by step reaching mentally beyond what one can sense and measure directly. With this powerful reasoning tool, and thought habits modeled after it, the Greeks could hope to explore with some precision the supposed Truths beyond the senses that they and others so intensely anticipated.”

— Philip J. Regal, The Anatomy of Judgment, pp 258