A man is but what he knows.

A man is but what he knows.

Reason's biological function is to preserve and promote life and to postpone its extinction as long as possible. Thinking and read more

Reason's biological function is to preserve and promote life and to postpone its extinction as long as possible. Thinking and acting are not contrary to nature; they are, rather, the foremost features of man's nature. The most appropriate description of man as differentiated from nonhuman beings is: a being purposively struggling against the forces adverse to his life.

We have rudiments of reverence for the human body, but we consider as nothing the rape of the human mind.

We have rudiments of reverence for the human body, but we consider as nothing the rape of the human mind.

A nail is driven out by another nail. Habit is overcome by habit.

A nail is driven out by another nail. Habit is overcome by habit.

Seek ye first the good things of the mind, and the rest will either be supplied or its loss will read more

Seek ye first the good things of the mind, and the rest will either be supplied or its loss will not be felt.

Action based on reason, action therefore which is only to be understood by reason, knows only one end, the greatest read more

Action based on reason, action therefore which is only to be understood by reason, knows only one end, the greatest pleasure of the acting individual.

It has often been said that power corrupts. But it is perhaps equally important to realize that weakness, too, corrupts. read more

It has often been said that power corrupts. But it is perhaps equally important to realize that weakness, too, corrupts. Power corrupts the few, while weakness corrupts the many. Hatred, malice, rudeness, intolerance, and suspicion are the faults of weakness. The resentment of the weak does not spring from any injustice done to them but from their sense of inadequacy and impotence. We cannot win the weak by sharing our wealth with them. They feel our generosity as oppression.

The weak are not a noble breed. Their sublime deeds of faith, daring, and self-sacrifice usually spring from questionable motives. read more

The weak are not a noble breed. Their sublime deeds of faith, daring, and self-sacrifice usually spring from questionable motives. The weak hate not wickedness but weakness; and one instance of their hatred of weakness is hatred of self. All the passionate pursuits of the weak are in some degree a striving to escape, blur, or disguise an unwanted self. It is a striving shot through with malice, envy, self-deception, and a host of petty impulses; yet it often culminates in superb achievements.

If you happen to be one of the fretful minority who can do creative work, never force an idea; you'll read more

If you happen to be one of the fretful minority who can do creative work, never force an idea; you'll abort it if you do. Be patient and you'll give birth to it when the time is ripe. Learn to wait.