The misconception which has haunted philosophic literature throughout the centuries is the notion of 'independent existence.' There is no such mode of existence; every entity is to be understood in terms of the way it is interwoven with the rest of the universe.

I always feel that I have two duties to perform with a parting guest: one, to see that he doesn't forget anything that is his; the other, to see that he doesn't take anything that is mine.

Knowledge keeps no better than fish.

Everything of importance has been said before by somebody who did not discover it.

Our reasonings grasp at straws for premises and float on gossamers for deductions.

Learning preserves the errors of the past as well as its wisdom.

It is not paradox to say that in our most theoretical moods we may be nearest to our most practical applications.