I suppose that every age has its own particular fantasy: ours is science. A seventeenth-century man like Blaise Pascal, who thought himself a mathematician and scientist of genius, found it quite ridiculous that anyone should suppose that rational processes could lead to any ultimate conclusions about life, but easily accepted the authority of the Scriptures. With us, it is the other way `round

In the cycle of a great civilization, the artist begins as priest, and ends as a clown or buffoon.

I never met a rich man who was happy, but I have only very occasionally met a poor man who did not want to become a rich man.

The only ultimate disaster that can befall us is to feel ourselves at home on this earth.

I think it [presidency of Dwight Eisenhower] came too late and I think that he is not on the wavelength of this dreadful time through which we're living.

The pursuit of happiness, which American citizens are obliged to undertake, tends to involve them in trying to perpetuate the moods, tastes and aptitudes of youth.

The monarchical institution in England is immensely valuable.