Perception is less of a recording system and more of a protection system against external stimuli.

A lady once expressed herself in society - the very words show that they were uttered with fervour and under the pressure of a great many secret emotions: "Yes, a woman must be pretty if she is to please the men. A man is much better off. As long as he has five straight limbs, he needs no more!"

My way of working was different years ago. I used to wait until an idea came to me. Now I go half-way to meet it, though I don't know whether I find it any the quicker.

The virtuous man contents himself with dreaming that which the wicked man does in actual life.

Beauty has no obvious use; nor is there any clear cultural necessity for it. Yet civilization could not do without it.

What a distressing contrast there is between the radiant intelligence of the child and the feeble mentality of the average adult.

In so doing, the idea forces itself upon him that religion is comparable to a childhood neurosis, and he is optimistic enough to suppose that mankind will surmount this neurotic phase, just as so many children grow out of their similar neurosis.