The safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato.

True courage is not the brutal force of vulgar heroes, but the firm resolve of virtue and reason.

There is no greater hindrance to the progress of thought than an attitude of irritated party-spirit.

Vigorous societies harbor a certain extravagance of objectives, so that men wander beyond the safe provision of personal gratifications.

Seek simplicity but distrust it.

Inventive genius requires pleasurable mental activity as a condition for its vigorous exercise

Every organism requires an environment of friends, partly to shield it from violent changes, and partly to supply it with its wants.