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 active part of man consists of powerful instincts, some of which are gentle and continuous; others violent and short; read more

The active part of man consists of powerful instincts, some of which are gentle and continuous; others violent and short; some baser, some nobler, and all necessary.

Instinct is a great matter. I was now a coward on instinct.

Instinct is a great matter. I was now a coward on instinct.

How instinct varies in the grov'lling swine,
Compar'd, half-reasoning elephant, with thine!
'Twixt that and reason what read more

How instinct varies in the grov'lling swine,
Compar'd, half-reasoning elephant, with thine!
'Twixt that and reason what a nice barrier!
Forever sep'rate, yet forever near!

Simplicity is an acquired taste. Mankind, left free, instinctively complicates life.

Simplicity is an acquired taste. Mankind, left free, instinctively complicates life.

Reasoning at every step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way, Whilst meaner things, whom instinct leads, Are rarely known read more

Reasoning at every step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way, Whilst meaner things, whom instinct leads, Are rarely known to stray.

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 is untaught ability.

Instinct is untaught ability.

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.