Dr. Arnold . . . the admired reformer of public schools, came across some cranks who thought it a mistake to flog boys. Anyone reading his outburst of furious indignation against this opinion will be forced to the conclusion that he enjoyed inflicting floggings.

We know very little, and yet it is astonishing that we know so much, and still more astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power.

It is obviously possible that what we call waking life may only be an unusual and persistent nightmare.

Work is of two kinds: first, altering the position of matter at or near the earth's surface relative to other matter; second, telling other people to do so.

Even if we could be certain that one of the world's religions were perfectly true, given the sheer number of conflicting faiths on offer, every believer should expect damnation purely as a matter of probability.

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

Right discipline consists, not in external compulsion, but in the habits of mind which lead spontaneously to desirable rather than undesirable activities.