There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval. The dark background which death supplies brings out the tender colours of life in all their purity.

In unphilosophical minds any rare or unexpected thing excites wonder, while in philosophical minds the familiar excites wonder also.

We are not compelled in naturalism, or even in materialism, to ignore immaterial things; the point is that any immaterial things which are recognized shall be regarded as names, aspects, functions, or concomitant products of those physical things among which action goes on.

To delight in war is a merit in the soldier, a dangerous quality in the captain, and a positive crime in the statesman.

We crave support in vanity, as we do in religion, and never forgive contradictions in that sphere.

why shouldnt things be largely absurd, futile, and transitory? they are so, and we are so, and they and we go together.

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.