Why do I think that we, the intellectuals, are able to help? Simply because we, the intellectuals, have done the most terrible harm for thousands of years. Mass murder in the name of an idea, a doctrine, a theory, a religion - that is all "our" doing, "our" invention: the invention of the intellectuals. If only we would stop setting man against man - often with the best intentions - much would be gained. Nobody can say that it is impossible for us to stop doing this.

I am opposed to looking upon logic as a kind of game. ... One might think that it is a matter of choice or convention which logic one adopts. I disagree with this view.

The defence of democracy must consist in making anti-democratic experiences too costly for those who try them; much more costly than a democratic compromise

If you know that things are bound to happen whatever you do, then you may feel free to give up the fight against them.

I have come to the conclusion that Darwinism is not a testable scientific theory, but a metaphysical research programme.

Genuine philosophical problems are always rooted outside philosophy and they die if these roots decay.

If we wish our civilization to survive we must break with the habit of deference to great men.