The most considerable difference I note among men is not in their readiness to fall into error, but in their readiness to acknowledge these inevitable lapses.

Friendship involves many things but, above all the power of going outside oneself and appreciating what is noble and loving in another.

If then, said I, the question is put to me would I rather have a miserable ape for a grandfather or a man highly endowed by nature and possessing great means and influence and yet who employs those faculties for the mere purpose of introducing ridicule into a grave scientific discussion-I unhesitatingly affirm my preference for the ape.

I conceive that the leading characteristic of the nineteenth century has been the rapid growth of the scientific spirit, the consequent application of scientific methods of investigation to all the problems with which the human mind is occupied, and the correlative rejection of traditional beliefs which have proved their incompetence to bear such investigation.

I took thought, and invented what I conceived to be the appropriate title of 'agnostic'.

What men of science want is only a fair day's wages for more than a fair day's work.

I have no faith, very little hope, and as much charity as I can afford.