I have often noticed that when people come to understand a mathematical proposition in some other way than that of the ordinary demonstration, they promptly say, "Oh, I see. That's how it must be." This is a sign that they explain it to themselves from within their own system.

Deliberate virtue is never worth much: The virtue of feeling or habit is the thing.

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

The proof that man is the noblest of all creatures is that no other creature has ever denied it.

Diogenes, filthily attired, paced across the splendid carpets in Plato's dwelling. Thus, said he, do I trample on the pride of Plato. Yes, Plato replied, but only with another kind of pride.

Here take back the stuff that I am, nature, knead it back into the dough of being, make of me a bush, a cloud, whatever you will, even a man, only no longer make me.

There are people who think that everything one does with a serious face is sensible.