Through the greatness of the universe, which philosophy contemplates, the mind also is rendered great, and becomes capable of that union with the universe which constitutes its highest good.

The demand for certainty is one which is natural to man, but is nevertheless an intellectual vice. If you take your children for a picnic on a doubtful day, they will demand a dogmatic answer as to whether it will be fine or wet, and be disappointed in you when you cannot be sure.

It is for this reason that rationality is of supreme importance to the well-being of the human species...even more, in those less fortunate times in which it is despised and rejected as the vain dream of men who lack the virility to kill where they cannot agree.

Italy, and the spring and first love all together should suffice to make the gloomiest person happy.

The man who only loves beautiful things is dreaming, whereas the man who knows absolute beauty is wide awake.

Contempt for happiness is usually contempt for other people's happiness, and is an elegant disguise for hatred of the human race.

Mathematics is only the art of saying the same thing in different words.