One of the most painful circumstances of recent advances in science is that each one makes us know less than we thought we did

A good world needs knowledge, kindliness, and courage; it does not need a regretful hankering after the past or a fettering of the free intelligence by the words uttered long ago by ignorant men.

Education, which was at first made universal in order that all might be able to read and write, has been found capable of serving quite other purposes. By instilling nonsense it unifies populations and generates collective enthusiasm.

A truer image of the world, I think, is obtained by picturing things as entering into the stream of time from an eternal world outside, than from a view which regards time as the devouring tyrant of all that is.

The most savage controversies are about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way.

As soon as we abandon our own reason, and are content to rely upon authority, there is no end to our troubles.

It is only theory that makes men completely incautious.