Since philosophy is the exploration of the rational, it is for that very reason the apprehension of the present and the actual, not the erection of a beyond, supposed to exist, God knows where, or rather which exists, and we can perfectly well say where, namely in the error of a one-sided, empty, ratiocination.

To be independent of public opinion is the first formal condition of achieving anything great.

The learner always begins by finding fault, but the scholar sees the positive merit in everything.

Life has value only when it has something valuable as its object.

...if the fear of falling into error is the source of a mistrust in Science, which in the absence of any such misgivings gets on with the work itself and actually does know, it is difficult to see why, conversely, a mistrust should not be placed in this mistrust, and why we should not be concerned that this fear of erring is itself the very error.

It is easier to discover a deficiency in individuals, in states, and in Providence, than to see their real import and value.

In a true tragedy, both parties must be right.