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 have no assurance that half-truth will make us free.
We have no assurance that half-truth will make us free.
Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo.
Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo.
The human understanding is no dry light, but receives infusion from the will and affections; which proceed sciences which may read more
The human understanding is no dry light, but receives infusion from the will and affections; which proceed sciences which may be called "sciences as one would." For what a man had rather were true he more readily believes. Therefore he rejects difficult things from impatience of research; sober things, because they narrow hope; the deeper things of nature, from superstition; the light of experience, from arrogance and pride; things not commonly believed, out of deference to the opinion of the vulgar. Numberless in short are the ways, and sometimes imperceptible, in which the affections color and infect the understanding.
I have taken all knowledge to be my province.
I have taken all knowledge to be my province.
Nothing in the world is more dangerous than a sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
Nothing in the world is more dangerous than a sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
We probably have a greater love for those we support than for those who support us. Our vanity carries greater read more
We probably have a greater love for those we support than for those who support us. Our vanity carries greater weight than our self-interest.
Happiness is good health and a bad memory.
Happiness is good health and a bad memory.
The Americans are poor haters in international affairs because of their innate feeling of superiority over all foreigners. An American's read more
The Americans are poor haters in international affairs because of their innate feeling of superiority over all foreigners. An American's hatred for a fellow American...is far more virulent than any antipathy he can work up against foreigners...Should Americans begin to hate foreigners wholeheartedly, it will be an indication that they have lost confidence in their own way of life.
When you say that you agree to a thing in principle you mean that you have not the slightest intention read more
When you say that you agree to a thing in principle you mean that you have not the slightest intention of carrying it out in practice.
