Various Positions of Action.

We often marvel at the strength of a wrestler when he engages with an inexperienced opponent because he often has less natural strength than another. Or at a tumbler, tightrope walker, and other skills which we are not familiar with according to common natural knowledge. Since they are not practiced by us, as they are not generally necessary in our common interactions and ways of life. Those people are greatly mistaken who, when they see a tightrope dancer performing tricks they cannot imitate, immediately say: "The fellow is in league with the devil." All these activities depend on knowledge and precise observation of the weights and counterbalances of the limbs to manage them towards a pre-conceived goal, aided by the line and lightness of movement. Thus, one must also acknowledge that art assists nature greatly in many cases; it even extends into the realm of animals, who, apart from their innate nature allowing them to walk, fly, swim, or otherwise sustain themselves, can acquire a great deal through training. For example, a dog made only to walk on four legs can learn to walk on two legs and adopt strange postures which are against his natural habit, by learning an unusual balance and counterweight. We daily experience that engagements mainly involving lifting, throwing, carrying, and holding become more difficult and arduous when they are novel to us than when we are accustomed to them through frequent practice; The beasts can also learn arts.

Translation Notes

- "Konst-oefeningen": This word refers to skills or practices that involve artistry or craftsmanship, which are often physical in nature.
- "Konst": This can mean 'art' or 'skill' and encompasses a range of disciplines beyond just fine arts, often referring to physical or performative skill.