What the intellectual craves above all else is to be taken seriously, to be treated as a decisive force in shaping history. He is far more at home in a society that weighs his every word and keeps close watch on his attitudes then in a society that cares not what he says or does. He would rather be persecuted than ignored.
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The human race, to which so many of my readers belong, has been playing at children's games from the beginning, read more
The human race, to which so many of my readers belong, has been playing at children's games from the beginning, and will probably do it till the end, which is a nuisance for the few people who grow up. And one of the games to which it is most attached is called, ''Keep tomorrow dark,'' and which is also named (by the rustics in Shropshire, I have no doubt) ''Cheat the Prophet.'' The players listen very carefully and respectfully to all that the clever men have to say about what is to happen in the next generation. The players then wait until all the clever men are dead, and bury them nicely. Then they go and do something else. That is all. For a race of simple tastes, however, it is great fun.
You can shoot the tiger, or stay out of his way, but you cannot pronounce him a vegetarian.
You can shoot the tiger, or stay out of his way, but you cannot pronounce him a vegetarian.
When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?
When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?
The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man's foot long enough read more
The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man's foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher. - Life and Letters of Thomas Huxley.
Barbarian invasions would be superfluous: we are our own Huns.
Barbarian invasions would be superfluous: we are our own Huns.
Quite often the social doctors become part of the disease.
Quite often the social doctors become part of the disease.
The Universe has as many different centers as there are living beings in it.
The Universe has as many different centers as there are living beings in it.
Today the world changes so quickly that in growing up we take leave not just of youth but of the read more
Today the world changes so quickly that in growing up we take leave not just of youth but of the world we were young in.
The only meaning of life worth caring about is one that can withstand our best efforts to examine it.
The only meaning of life worth caring about is one that can withstand our best efforts to examine it.
