Spencer, Herbert

Philosopher-Sociologist English 1820 – 1903

Applied evolution to social theory and developed social Darwinism.

381 quotes

"Wisdom is the recognition of patterns in life."
Wisdom
"The state exists for the benefit of its citizens."
Politics
"Every effect must have a cause."
Science
"Imagination is the beginning of creation."
Imagination
"Society evolves through the competition of ideas."
History
"The worth of an action is in the intention behind it."
"Progress requires the courage to abandon the familiar."
Change
"Music expresses what words cannot contain."
Music
"The natural state is one of constant adaptation."
Nature
"Knowledge without application is merely curiosity."
Education
"Truth emerges from the clash of opposing views."
Truth
"The strongest societies embrace continuous change."
Strength
"Beauty is nature expressing itself perfectly."
Beauty
"Kindness is the highest form of intelligence."
Kindness
"The universe operates according to discoverable laws."
Science
"Hope is the engine of human progress."
Hope
"Patience is the virtue of the strong."
Patience
"Fear is the absence of understanding."
Fear
"Power without responsibility breeds tyranny."
Power
"Success requires the marriage of preparation and opportunity."
Success
"The family is the foundation of all social order."
Family
"Dreams without action remain merely fantasies."
Dreams
"Work is the expression of human potential."
Work
"Gratitude opens the doors to greater happiness."
Gratitude
"Creativity is the rearrangement of existing elements."
Creativity
"The measure of a life is not its length but its depth."
Life
"Perseverance transforms obstacles into opportunities."
Perseverance
"Solitude is necessary for the development of the self."
Solitude
"Technology amplifies human capability."
Technology
"History is the record of humanity's learning."
History