Pure mathematics consists entirely of assertions to the effect that, if such and such a proposition is true of anything, then suchand such another proposition is true of that thing.... Thus mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true.

Power is sweet; it is a drug, the desire for which increases with a habit.

The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.

No satisfaction based upon self-deception is solid, and however unpleasant the truth may be, it is better to face it once and for all, to get used to it, and to proceed to build your life in accordance with it.

There is something feeble and a little contemptible about a man who cannot face the perils of life without the help of comfortable myths.

The essence of the liberal outlook lies not in what opinions are held, but in how they are held; instead of being held dogmatically, they are held tentatively, and with a consciousness that new evidence may at any moment lead to their abandonment.

My whole religion is this: do every duty, and expect no reward for it, either here or hereafter.