Advertising is the modern substitute for argument; its function is to make the worse appear the better.

There is a kind of courtesy in skepticism. It would be an offense against polite conventions to press our doubts too far.

Before he sets out, the traveler must possess fixed interests and facilities to be served by travel.

Happiness is impossible, and even inconceivable, to a mind without scope and without pause, a mind driven by craving, pleasure, or fear. To be happy, you must be reasonable, or you must be tamed. You must have taken the measure of your powers, tasted the fruits of your passion, and learned your place in the world and what things in it can really serve you. To be happy, you must be wise.

Historical investigation has for its aim to fix the order and character of events throughout past time and in all places. The task is frankly superhuman.

The universe, as far as we can observe it, is a wonderful and immense engine.... If we dramatize its life and conceive its spirit, we are filled with wonder, terror and amusement, so magnificent is the spirit.

Intolerance is a form of egotism, and to condemn egotism intolerantly is to share it.