We have no claim to share in the glory of our ancestors unless we strive to resemble them.

We have no claim to share in the glory of our ancestors unless we strive to resemble them.

I think I am better than the people who are trying to reform me.

I think I am better than the people who are trying to reform me.

Human civilization is not something achieved against nature; it is rather the outcome of the working of the innate qualities read more

Human civilization is not something achieved against nature; it is rather the outcome of the working of the innate qualities of man.

Controversy is only dreaded by the advocates of error.

Controversy is only dreaded by the advocates of error.

The test of civilization is the estimate of woman. Among savages she is a slave. In the dark ages of read more

The test of civilization is the estimate of woman. Among savages she is a slave. In the dark ages of Christianity she is a toy and a sentimental goddess. With increasing moral light, and greater liberty, and more universal justice, she begins to develop as an equal human being.

Spiritual stagnation ensues when man's environment becomes unpredictable or when his inner life is made wholly predictable.

Spiritual stagnation ensues when man's environment becomes unpredictable or when his inner life is made wholly predictable.

Stupidity is the devil. Look in the eye of a chicken and you'll know. It's the most horrifying, cannibalistic, and read more

Stupidity is the devil. Look in the eye of a chicken and you'll know. It's the most horrifying, cannibalistic, and nightmarish creature in this world.

We must think of human progress, not as of something going on in the race in general, but as something read more

We must think of human progress, not as of something going on in the race in general, but as something going on in a small minority, perpetually beleaguered in a few walled towns. Now and then the horde of barbarians outside breaks through, and we have an armed effort to halt the process. That is, we have a Reformation, a French Revolution, a war for democracy, a Great Awakening. The minority is decimated and driven to cover. But a few survive- and a few are enough to carry on.

To the extent that philosophical positions both confuse us and close doors to further inquiry, they are likely to be read more

To the extent that philosophical positions both confuse us and close doors to further inquiry, they are likely to be wrong...