Philosophy Quotes

"The social contract theory supposes each individual has accepted the protection of society in exchange for certain duties."

"I am convinced that no man who shall be born into this world will ever be able to say that he understands the ultimate nature of things."

"The very stones cry out against excessive materialism."

"The pursuit of truth requires intellectual honesty above all things."

"One must look beyond the immediate to understand the eternal."

"To understand a man, one must first understand his circumstances."

"The true measure of a man is not his words, but his deeds."

"A society without principles will eventually collapse under its own weight."

"The measure of civilization is how it preserves the dignity of the individual."

"The common people must be led, not ruled, though they often cannot tell the difference."

"A man should master his emotions or they will master him."

"The true principle of utility is so far from taking away the practice of virtue, that it constitutes the foundation of virtue."

"The habit of analysis weakens the capacity for enjoyment; be cautious with it."

"Society improves only when its exceptional members are allowed to flourish."

"The nature of man is intricate; the objects of society are of the greatest possible complexity."

"What shadows we are, and what shadows we pursue."

"Our ancestors are not chosen by us, but our principles should be."

"Every species of property has not the same operation, and every operation is not the same, and every operation is not to be considered upon the supposition that things remain always in the state in which they were."

"The vain labour of the brain as employed in investigations of metaphysical philosophy is somewhat exhausting."

"There is moderation even in excess."

"The monotony of the world at present astonishes me."

"What is the world but a stage for the display of human nature?"

"The human mind is the noblest creation of God."

"The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face."

"One must never lose sight of what is truly important."

"I believe in progress tempered by tradition."

"Know thyself! If I knew myself, I would run away"

"I am a conservative, but not because of what I conserve, but because of what would be lost without conservation"

"Philosophy without practice is intellectual vanity."

"Philosophy teaches us how to think, not what to think."