It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a
thought without accepting it.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a
thought without accepting it.

Men's first thoughts in this matter are generally better than
their second; their natural notions better than those refin'd read more

Men's first thoughts in this matter are generally better than
their second; their natural notions better than those refin'd by
study, or consultation with casuists.
- Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury,

One thought fills immensity.

One thought fills immensity.

Whatsoe'er thy birth,
Thou wert a beautiful thought and softly bodied forth.

Whatsoe'er thy birth,
Thou wert a beautiful thought and softly bodied forth.

Nay, in every epoch of the world, the great event, parent of all
others, is it not the arrival read more

Nay, in every epoch of the world, the great event, parent of all
others, is it not the arrival of a Thinker in the world?

Ah! still awhile the old thought retain,
And yet consider it again!

Ah! still awhile the old thought retain,
And yet consider it again!

The busiest of living agents are certain dead men's thoughts.

The busiest of living agents are certain dead men's thoughts.

First thoughts are not always the best.
[It., Sempre il miglior non e il parer primiero.]

First thoughts are not always the best.
[It., Sempre il miglior non e il parer primiero.]

Arouse the mind without resting it on anything.

Arouse the mind without resting it on anything.