The great need to grasp principles had caused me to spend most of my time on fruitless persuits.

Hunger, love, pain, fear are some of those inner forces which rule the individual's instinct for self preservation.

Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them.

Considered logically this concept is not identical with the totality of sense impressions referred to; but it is an arbitrary creation of the human (or animal) mind.

One has to realize that the powerful industrial groups concerned in the manufacture of arms are doing their best in all countries to prevent the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and that rulers can achieve this great end only if they are sure of the vigorous support of the majority of their peoples.

Although I tried to be universal in thought, I am European by instinct and inclination.

Scientific research is based on the idea that everything that takes place is determined by laws of Nature, and therefore this holds for the action of people. For this reason, a research scientist will hardly be inclined to believe that events could be influenced by a prayer, i.e. by a wish addressed to a Supernatural Being.