Full Idea
If we see how things grow naturally from the start, we would in this way, as in other cases, get the best theoretical grasp of them.
Gist of Idea
To grasp something, trace it back to its natural origins
Source
Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1252a24)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.2
A Reaction
Observing the natural origins of a tulip doesn't help much (without microbiology), but he is discussing the nature of cities, and his suggestion seems good.