Men love to wonder and that is the seed of our science.

Men love to wonder and that is the seed of our science.

If a man proves too clearly and convincingly to
himself . . . that a tiger is an optical read more

If a man proves too clearly and convincingly to
himself . . . that a tiger is an optical illusion--well, he will
find out he is wrong. The tiger will himself intervene in the
discussion, in a manner which will be in every sense conclusive.

Long stood the noble youth oppress'd with awe,
And stupid at the wondrous things he saw,
Surpassing read more

Long stood the noble youth oppress'd with awe,
And stupid at the wondrous things he saw,
Surpassing common faith, transgressing nature's law.

We were young, we were merry, we were very, very wise,
And the door stood open at our feast,
read more

We were young, we were merry, we were very, very wise,
And the door stood open at our feast,
When there passed us a woman with the West in her eyes,
And a man with his back to the East.

Wonder [said Socrates] is very much the affection of a
philosopher; for there is no other beginning of philosophy read more

Wonder [said Socrates] is very much the affection of a
philosopher; for there is no other beginning of philosophy than
this.

Nothing but what astonishes is true.

Nothing but what astonishes is true.

Pretty! in amber to observe the forms
Of hairs, of straws, or dirt, or grubs, or worms!
read more

Pretty! in amber to observe the forms
Of hairs, of straws, or dirt, or grubs, or worms!
The things, we know, are neither rich nor rare,
But wonder how the devil they got there.

The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for
want of wonder.

The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for
want of wonder.

Wonders I sing; the sun has set; no night has followed.
[Lat., Mira cano; sol occubuit;
Nox read more

Wonders I sing; the sun has set; no night has followed.
[Lat., Mira cano; sol occubuit;
Nox nulla secuta est.]