There are very many people who read simply to prevent themselves from thinking.

It is hardly to be believed how spiritual reflections when mixed with a little physics can hold people's attention and give them a livelier idea of God than do the often ill-applied examples of his wrath.

The man was such an intellectual he was of almost no use.

A book which, above all others in the world, should be forbidden, is a catalogue of forbidden books.

If we make a couple of discoveries here and there we need not believe things will go on like this for ever. Just as we hit water when we dig in the earth, so we discover the incomprehensible sooner or later.

The greater part of human misery is caused by indolence.

Man is a masterpiece of creation, if only because no amount of determinism can prevent him from believing that he acts as a free being.