Metaphysics is the finding of bad reasons for what we believe upon instinct; but to find these reasons is no read more

Metaphysics is the finding of bad reasons for what we believe upon instinct; but to find these reasons is no less an instinct.

The instinct of nearly all societies is to lock up anybody who is truly free. First, society begins by trying read more

The instinct of nearly all societies is to lock up anybody who is truly free. First, society begins by trying to beat you up. If this fails, they try to poison you. If this fails too, they finish by loading honors on your head.

A few strong instincts and a few plain rules.

A few strong instincts and a few plain rules.

Great thoughts, great feelings, came to them,
Like instincts, unawares.

Great thoughts, great feelings, came to them,
Like instincts, unawares.

Trust the instinct to the end, though you can render no reason

Trust the instinct to the end, though you can render no reason

Instinct and reason how can we divide?
'Tis the fool's ignorance, and the pedant's pride.

Instinct and reason how can we divide?
'Tis the fool's ignorance, and the pedant's pride.

But honest instinct comes a volunteer; Sure never to o'er-shoot, but just to hit, While still too wide or short read more

But honest instinct comes a volunteer; Sure never to o'er-shoot, but just to hit, While still too wide or short in human wit.

The very essence of instinct is that it's followed independently of reason.

The very essence of instinct is that it's followed independently of reason.

I believe in instinct, not in reason. When reason is right, nine times out of ten it is impotent, and read more

I believe in instinct, not in reason. When reason is right, nine times out of ten it is impotent, and when it prevails, nine times out of ten it is wrong.