Many orthodox people speak as though it were the business of sceptics to disprove received dogmas rather than of dogmatists to prove them. This is, of course, a mistake.

To modern educated people, it seems obvious that matters of fact are to be ascertained by observation, not by consulting ancient authorities. But this is an entirely modern conception, which hardly existed before the seventeenth century.

This is one of those views which are so absolutely absurd that only very learned men could possibly adopt them.

A democrat need not believe that the majority will always reach a wise decision. He should however believe in the necessity of accepting the decision of the majority, be it wise or unwise, until such a time that the majority reaches another decision.

The human race may well become extinct before the end of the century. Speaking as a mathematician, I should say the odds are about three to one against survival.

Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd.

No nation was ever so virtuous as each believes itself, and none was ever so wicked as each believes the other.