Nothing is really so poor and melancholy as art that is interested in itself and not in its subject.

Love is a brilliant illustration of a principle everywhere discoverable: namely, that human reason lives by turning the friction of material forces into the light of ideal goods.

Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and it is shameful to surrender it too soon or to the first comer.

Saints cannot arise where there have been no warriors, nor philosophers where a prying beast does not remain hidden in the depths.

Skepticism, like chastity, should not be relinquished too readily.

Docility is the observable half of reason.

...science is nothing but developed perception, interpreted intent, common-sense rounded out and minutely articulated. It is therefore as much an instinctive product, as much a stepping forth of human courage in the dark, as is any inevitable dream or impulsive action.