The development of general ability for independent thinking and judgment should always be placed foremost, not the acquisition of special knowledge.

Since our inner experiences consist of reproductions, and combinations of sensory impressions, the concept of a soul without a body seem to me to be empty and devoid of meaning.

Solitude is painful when one is young, but delightful when one is more mature.

The word 'God' is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, and religious scripture a collection of honourable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish. No interpretation, no matter how subtle, can (for me) change this.

Concern for man himself must always constitute the chief objective of all technological effort

I agree with Schopenhauer that one of the most powerful motives that attracts people to science and art is the longing to escape from everyday life.

James Clerk Maxwell's [work is the] most profound and the most fruitful.