It is the work of fancy to enlarge, but of judgment to shorten and contract; and therefore this must be as far above the other as judgment is a greater and nobler faculty than fancy or imagination.

In the quote "It is the work of fancy to enlarge, but of judgment to shorten and contract; and therefore this must be as far above the other as judgment is a greater and nobler faculty than fancy or imagination," Robert South explores the relationship between fancy, judgment, and imagination. He distinguishes between the expansive nature of fancy, which seeks to broaden or amplify ideas, and the more discerning role of judgment, which serves to focus and refine thoughts. South emphasizes that while fancy allows for creativity and expansion, judgment brings clarity and precision, suggesting that judgment is the higher and more valuable of the two faculties.

South, an English theologian and scholar from the 17th century, often engaged with the intellectual and philosophical debates of his time. His quote reflects the classical understanding of reason and imagination in the context of human faculties. By positioning judgment above fancy, South asserts that true wisdom lies not in the unfettered imagination but in the ability to sift through and refine ideas through rational and critical thinking.

The quote also implies that judgment requires a level of discipline and restraint, qualities that fancy or imagination might lack. While fancy is concerned with growth and exploration, judgment is about discrimination, evaluation, and application. For South, the value of judgment lies in its capacity to discern what is important and eliminate what is extraneous, which is essential for intellectual rigor.

Ultimately, South’s statement reflects the belief that reason, or judgment, is central to the pursuit of wisdom and truth. While fancy or imagination may serve to inspire and expand, it is judgment that provides the necessary structure and refinement, making it the nobler and more important of the two faculties.