The inconveniences and horrors of the pox are perfectly well known to every one; but still the disease flourishes and spreads. Several million people were killed in a recent war and half the world ruined; but we all busily go on in courses that make another event of the same sort inevitable. Experientia docet? Experientia doesn't.

Too much consistency is as bad for the mind as for the body.

It's a very salutary thing to realize that the rather dull universe in which most of us spend most of our time is not the only universe there is. I think it's healthy that people should have this experience.

Folly is often more cruel in the consequences than malice can be in the intent.

Our vanity makes us exaggerate the importance of human life; the individual is nothing; Nature cares only for the species.

An unexciting truth may be eclipsed by a thrilling lie.

There is no substitute for talent. Industry and all its virtues are of no avail.