...the self-satisfied dogmatism with which mankind at each period of its history cherishes the delusion of the finality of existing modes of knowledge.

The science of pure mathematics, in its modern developments, may claim to be the most original creation of the human spirit.

The motive of success is not enough.

Art flourishes where there is a sense of adventure, a sense of nothing having been done before, of complete freedom to experiment.

Style, in its finest sense, is the last acquirement of the educated mind; it is also the most useful. It pervades the whole being.

Wisdom alone is true ambition's aim, wisdom is the source of virtue and of fame; obtained with labour, for mankind employed, and then, when most you share it, best enjoyed.

The vitality of thought is in adventure. Ideas won't keep. Something must be done about them. When the idea is new, its custodians have fervor, live for it, and if need be, die for it.