The true foundation of theology is to ascertain the character of God. It is by the aid of Statistics that law in the social sphere can be ascertained and codified, and certain aspects of the character of God thereby revealed. The study of statistics is thus a religious service.

Moral activity? There is scarcely such a thing possible! Everything is sketchy. The world does nothing but sketch.

Little as we know about the way in which we are affected by form, by color, and light, we do know this, that they have an actual physical effect.

Were there none who were discontented with what they have, the world would never reach anything better.

[On Thomas Babington Macaulay:] He was a most disagreeable companion to my fancy ... His conversation was a procession of one.

Live life when you have it. Life is a splendid gift-there is nothing small about it.

Rather, ten times, die in the surf, heralding the way to a new world, than stand idly on the shore.