Ideals are very often formed in the effort to escape from the hard task of dealing with facts, which is the function of science and art. There is no process by which to reach an ideal. There are no tests by which to verify it. It is therefore impossible to frame a proposition about an ideal which can be proved or disproved. It follows that the use of ideals is to be strictly limited to proper cases, and that the attempt to use ideals in social discussion does not deserve serious consideration.
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The primary sign of a well-ordered mind is a man's ability to remain in one place and linger in his own company.
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
Social values in general are incrementally variable: neither safety, diversity, rational articulation, nor morality is categorically a "good thing" to read more
Social values in general are incrementally variable: neither safety, diversity, rational articulation, nor morality is categorically a "good thing" to have more of, without limits. All are subject to diminishing returns, and ultimately negative returns.
If you're naturally kind you attract a lot of people you don't like.
If you're naturally kind you attract a lot of people you don't like.
The most basic question is not what is best but who shall decide what is best.
The most basic question is not what is best but who shall decide what is best.
The mentality of an army on the march is merely so much delayed adolescence; it remains persistently, incorrigibly and notoriously read more
The mentality of an army on the march is merely so much delayed adolescence; it remains persistently, incorrigibly and notoriously infantile.
The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be...The nation and the read more
The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be...The nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.
It may indeed prove to be far the most difficult and not the least important task for human reason rationally read more
It may indeed prove to be far the most difficult and not the least important task for human reason rationally to comprehend its own limitations. It is essential for the growth of reason that as individuals we should bow to forces and obey principles which we cannot hope fully to understand, yet on which the advance and even the preservation of civilization depend.
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Sex lies at the root of life, and we can never learn to reverence life until we know how to understand sex.
