Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to be read, but not curiously, and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention.
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The several sorts of religion in the world are little more than so many spiritual monopolies.
The several sorts of religion in the world are little more than so many spiritual monopolies.
Men rarely (if ever) manage to dream up a god superior to themselves. Most gods have the manners and morals read more
Men rarely (if ever) manage to dream up a god superior to themselves. Most gods have the manners and morals of a spoiled child.
But now being lifted into high society,
And having pick'd up several odds and ends
Of free read more
But now being lifted into high society,
And having pick'd up several odds and ends
Of free thoughts in his travels for variety,
He deem'd, being in a lone isle, among friends,
That without any danger of a riot, he
Might for long lying make himself amends;
And singing as he sung in his warm youth,
Agree to a short armistice with truth.
The collective matrix of a science at a given time is determined by a kind of establishment, which includes universities, read more
The collective matrix of a science at a given time is determined by a kind of establishment, which includes universities, learned societies, and, more recently, the editorial offices of technical journals. Like other establishments, they are consciously or unconsciously bent on preserving the status quo- partly because unorthodox innovations are a threat to their authority, but also because of the deeper fear that their laboriously erected an intellectual edifice might collapse under the impact.
Credulity is belief in slight evidence, with no evidence, or against evidence.
Credulity is belief in slight evidence, with no evidence, or against evidence.
I think I am better than the people who are trying to reform me.
I think I am better than the people who are trying to reform me.
When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?
When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?
It is the test of a good religion whether you can make a joke about it.
It is the test of a good religion whether you can make a joke about it.
If a donkey bray at you, don't bray at him.
If a donkey bray at you, don't bray at him.
