Impartial observers from other planets would consider ours an utterly bizarre enclave if it were populated by birds, defined as flying animals, that nevertheless rarely or never actually flew. They would also be perplexed if they encountered in our seas, lakes, rivers, and ponds, creatures defined as swimmers that never did any swimming. But they would be even more surprised to encounter a species defined as a thinking animal if, in fact, the creature very rarely indulged in actual thinking.
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We usually see only the things we are looking for- so much so that we sometimes see them where they read more
We usually see only the things we are looking for- so much so that we sometimes see them where they are not.
From the saintly and single-minded idealist to the fanatic is often but a step.
From the saintly and single-minded idealist to the fanatic is often but a step.
It is by becoming increasingly complex that the self might be said to grow.
It is by becoming increasingly complex that the self might be said to grow.
I know how men in exile feed on dreams.
I know how men in exile feed on dreams.
Consciously or unconsciously, every one of us does render some service or other. If we cultivate the habit of doing read more
Consciously or unconsciously, every one of us does render some service or other. If we cultivate the habit of doing this service deliberately, our desire for service will steadily grow stronger, and will make, not only our own happiness, but that of the world at large.
The burning of an author's books, imprisonment for opinion's sake, has always been the tribute that an ignorant age pays read more
The burning of an author's books, imprisonment for opinion's sake, has always been the tribute that an ignorant age pays to the genius of its time.
To know truly is to know by causes.
To know truly is to know by causes.
Informal relationships are not mere minor interstitial supplements to the major institutions of society. These informal relationships not only include read more
Informal relationships are not mere minor interstitial supplements to the major institutions of society. These informal relationships not only include important decision-making processes, such as the family, but also produce much of the background social capital without which the other major institutions of society could not function nearly as effectively as they do.
Collective judgement of new ideas is so often wrong that it is arguable that progress depends on individuals being free read more
Collective judgement of new ideas is so often wrong that it is arguable that progress depends on individuals being free to back their own judgement despite collective disapproval.
