It is a natural propensity to attribute misfortune to someone's malignity.

We are ... led to a somewhat vague distinction between what we may call "hard" data and "soft" data. This distinction is a matter of degree, and must not be pressed; but if not taken too seriously it may help to make the situation clear. I mean by "hard" data those which resist the solvent influence of critical reflection, and by "soft" data those which, under the operation of this process, become to our minds more or less doubtful.

Religions, which condemn the pleasures of sense, drive men to seek the pleasures of power. Throughout history power has been the vice of the ascetic.

Have no respect for the authority of others, for there are always contrary authorities to be found

One's work is never so bad as it appears on bad days, nor so good as it appears on good days.

Folly is perennial and yet the human race has survived.

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