It can't happen here is always wrong: a dictatorship can happen anywhere.

A theory that explains everything, explains nothing

Optimism is a duty. The future is open. It is not predetermined. No one can predict it, except by chance. We all contribute to determining it by what we do. We are all equally responsible for its success.

All we can do is search for the falsity content in our best theory.

While differing widely in the various little bits we know, in our infinite ignorance we are all equal.

There will be well-testable theories, hardly testable theories, and non-testable theories. Those which are non-testable are of no interest to empirical scientists. They may be described as metaphysical.

With regards to political enemies Plato had a kill-and-banish principle. ... In interpreting it , modern-day Platonists are clearly disturbed by it, even as they make elaborate attempts to defend Plato.