Category: Thought

The early Greek philosopher, such as we read about in Diogenes Laertius, is certainly one of the most amusing curiosities of the whole human menagerie. It seems to have been demanded of him that his conduct should be in marked contrast with the dictates of ordinary common sense. Had he behaved as other men are supposed to do his fellow-citizens would have thought his philosophy had not taught him much.

C.S. Peirce, Reasoning and the Logic of Things: The Cambridge Conferences Lectures of 1898, Kenneth Laine Ketner, ed. (1992).

Suspicion is a virtue as long as its object is the public good, and as long as it stays within proper bounds. . . . Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel.

Patrick Henry, Virginia Ratifying Convention (June 5, 1788), speech regarding the Federal Constitution.

Society is a system of inherited forms reducing our humiliating passivity to nature. We may alter these forms, slowly or suddenly, but no change in society will change nature.

Camille Paglia, Sexual Personae: Art and Decadence from Nefertiti to Emily Dickinson, p. 1.

Only use lizard sources.

Gavin McInnes, on The Gavin McInnes Show, characterizing modern p.c. University standards of essay writing, making fun of postmodern pedagogy. For full context, see:

Hope is a waking dream.

Aristotle, in Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Diogenes Laertius.

Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 ft/sec, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter.

Kissing don’t last; cookery do!

George Meredith, The Ordeal of Richard Feverel (1859), chapter 28.

I have gained this by philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law.

Aristotle, in Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Diogenes Laertius.

Perfect simplicity is unconsciously audacious.

George Meredith, The Ordeal of Richard Feverel (1859).

I have gained this by philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law.

Aristotle, in Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Diogenes Laertius.