History is valuable, to begin with, because it is true; and this, though not the whole of its value, is the foundation and condition of all the rest. That all knowledge, as such, is in some degree good, would appear to be at least probable; and the knowledge of every historical fact possesses this element of goodness, even if it posses no other.

To be able to concentrate for a considerable time is essential to difficult achievement.

If everything has a cause, then God must have a cause. If there can be anything without a cause, it may just be the world as God.

The method of "postulating" what we want has many advantages; they are the same as the advantages of theft over honest toil.

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

They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom. Those who continually search for happiness will never find it. Happiness is made, not found. To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.

Science is no substitute for virtue; the heart is as necessary for a good life as the head.