Meaning: The quote "As to the mental essence, we find it in infants devoid of every mental form" by Avicenna, also known as Ibn Sina, a Persian polymath who is regarded as one of the most significant physicians, astronomers, thinkers, and writers of the Islamic Golden Age, delves into the concept of mental essence and its presence in infants. This quote reflects Avicenna's thoughts on the nature of the human mind and its development from infancy.

Avicenna, who lived from 980 to 1037, made influential contributions to various fields, including philosophy, medicine, and psychology. In his philosophical works, Avicenna explored the nature of the human mind and its relationship to the body, drawing from both classical Greek philosophy and Islamic thought.

The quote suggests that the mental essence, or the fundamental nature of the mind, exists in infants despite their lack of developed mental forms. This idea aligns with Avicenna's broader philosophical framework, which emphasizes the distinction between the essence of the mind and its specific manifestations or forms. Avicenna's conception of the mind as possessing an inherent essence that precedes its actualization in specific mental forms reflects his engagement with the Aristotelian tradition and Neoplatonic influences.

In Avicenna's philosophical system, the human mind is understood as a complex entity that possesses both an essential nature and a capacity for diverse forms of cognition and experience. According to Avicenna, the mental essence is not contingent upon the presence of specific mental forms, as it transcends particular states of consciousness or knowledge. This perspective underscores the idea that the core essence of the mind exists independently of its various cognitive functions and experiences.

Furthermore, the reference to infants in the quote suggests that Avicenna was interested in the early stages of human development and the emergence of the mind. Avicenna's views on the mental essence in infants may be linked to his broader theories of epistemology and the acquisition of knowledge. In his writings on psychology and cognition, Avicenna explored the processes through which the mind develops and acquires its various capacities for understanding and awareness.

From a developmental perspective, Avicenna's emphasis on the presence of the mental essence in infants raises intriguing questions about the origins of human cognition and consciousness. His recognition of the fundamental nature of the mind in early infancy aligns with contemporary research in developmental psychology, which highlights the early emergence of basic cognitive abilities and the formative nature of early experiences on the developing mind.

In conclusion, Avicenna's quote captures his philosophical insights into the nature of the human mind and its presence in infants. By emphasizing the existence of the mental essence in the absence of developed mental forms, Avicenna invites contemplation on the fundamental aspects of the mind and its development from the earliest stages of life. His ideas continue to resonate with contemporary discussions in philosophy, psychology, and developmental science, demonstrating the enduring relevance of his contributions to our understanding of the human mind.