Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards.

Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards.

Reason is the test of ridicule, not ridicule the test of truth.

Reason is the test of ridicule, not ridicule the test of truth.

This is our chief bane, that we live not according to the light
of reason, but after the fashion read more

This is our chief bane, that we live not according to the light
of reason, but after the fashion of others.
[Lat., Id nobis maxime nocet, quod non ad rationis lumen sed ad
similitudinem aliorum vivimus.]

Two angels guide
The path of man, both aged and yet young.
As angels are, ripening through read more

Two angels guide
The path of man, both aged and yet young.
As angels are, ripening through endless years,
On one he leans: some call her Memory,
And some Tradition; and her voice is sweet,
With deep mysterious accords: the other,
Floating above, holds down a lamp with streams
A light divine and searching on the earth,
Compelling eyes and footsteps. Memory yields,
Yet clings with loving check, and shines anew,
Reflecting all the rays of that bright lamp
Our angel Reason holds. We had not walked
But for Tradition; we walk evermore
To higher paths by brightening Reason's lamp.

To give a reason for anything is to breed a doubt of it.

To give a reason for anything is to breed a doubt of it.

I'll not listen to reason. . . . Reason always means what someone else has got to say.

I'll not listen to reason. . . . Reason always means what someone else has got to say.

Reason is a supple nymph, and slippery as a fish by nature. She had as leave give her kiss to read more

Reason is a supple nymph, and slippery as a fish by nature. She had as leave give her kiss to an absurdity any day, as to syllogistic truth. The absurdity may turn out truer.

Many are destined to reason wrongly; others, not to reason at all; and others, to persecute those who do reason.

Many are destined to reason wrongly; others, not to reason at all; and others, to persecute those who do reason.

Subdue
By force, who reason for their law refuse,
Right reason for their law.

Subdue
By force, who reason for their law refuse,
Right reason for their law.