We like to continue to believe what we have been accustomed to accept as true, and the resentment aroused when doubt is cast upon any of our assumptions leads us to seek every manner of excuse for clinging to them. The result is that most of our so-called reasoning consists in finding arguments for going on believing as we already do.

Curiosity is idle only to those who fail to realize that it may be a very rare and indispensable thing.

We find it hard to believe that other people's thoughts are as silly as our own, but they probably are.

To become historically-minded is to be grown-up.

Our goal, simply stated, is to be the best.

We continue to think of new things in old ways.

History ... may be regarded as an artificial extension and : broadening of our memories and may be used to overcome the natural bewilderment of all unfamiliar situations.