If a man cannot see a church, it is preposterous to take his opinion about its altar-piece or painted window.

Science seems to me to teach in the highest and strongest manner the great truth which is embodied in the Christian conception of entire surrender to the will of God. Sit down before fact as a little child, be prepared to give up every preconceived notion, follow humbly wherever and to whatever abysses nature leads, or you shall learn nothing. I have only begun to learn content and peace of mind since I have resolved at all risks to do this.

Science is simply common sense at its best, that is, rigidly accurate in observation, and merciless to fallacy in logic.

Natural knowledge, seeking to satisfy natural wants, has found the ideas which can alone still spiritual cravings. I say that natural knowledge, in desiring to ascertain the laws of comfort, has been driven to discover those of conduct, and to lay the foundations of a new morality.

The great thing in the world is not so much to seek happiness as to earn peace and self-respect.

Extinguished theologians lie about the cradle of every science, as strangled snakes beside that of Hercules

No man is any the worse off because another acquires wealth by trade, or by the exercise of a profession; on the contrary, he cannot have acquired his wealth except by benefiting others to the extent of what they considered to be its value.