Reason has never failed men. Only force and repression have made the wrecks in the world.

Reason has never failed men. Only force and repression have made the wrecks in the world.

Reason is a supple nymph, and slippery as a fish by nature. She had as leave give her kiss to read more

Reason is a supple nymph, and slippery as a fish by nature. She had as leave give her kiss to an absurdity any day, as to syllogistic truth. The absurdity may turn out truer.

Reason can in general do more than blind force.

Reason can in general do more than blind force.

Reason is a harmonizing, controlling force rather than a creative one.

Reason is a harmonizing, controlling force rather than a creative one.

A noble heart will always capitulate to reason.

A noble heart will always capitulate to reason.

Let reason govern desire.

Let reason govern desire.

This is our chief bane, that we live not according to the light
of reason, but after the fashion read more

This is our chief bane, that we live not according to the light
of reason, but after the fashion of others.
[Lat., Id nobis maxime nocet, quod non ad rationis lumen sed ad
similitudinem aliorum vivimus.]

But all was false and hollow; though his tongue
Dropt manna, and could make the worse appear
read more

But all was false and hollow; though his tongue
Dropt manna, and could make the worse appear
The better reason, to perplex and dash
Maturest counsels.

He who establishes his argument by noise and command shows that
his reason is weak.

He who establishes his argument by noise and command shows that
his reason is weak.