Our minds are finite, and yet even in these circumstances of finitude we are surrounded by possibilities that are infinite, and the purpose of human life is to grasp as much as we can out of the infinitude.

Intelligence is quickness to apprehend as distinct from ability, which is capacity to act wisely on the thing apprehended.

The vitality of thought is in adventure. Ideas won't keep. Something must be done about them. When the idea is new, its custodians have fervor, live for it, and, if need be, die for it.

A man really writes for an audience of about ten persons. Of course if others like it, that is clear gain. But if those ten are satisfied, he is content.

There are no whole truths; all truths are half-truths. It is trying to treat them as whole truths that plays the devil.

Buddhism is the most colossal example in the history of applied metaphysics.

I have always noticed that deeply and truly religious persons are fond of a joke, and I am suspicious of those who aren't.

A race preserves its vigour so long as it harbours a real contrast between what has been and what may be, and so long as it is nerved by the vigour to adventure beyond the safeties of the past. Without adventure, civilization is in full decay.

A general definition of civilization: a civilized society is exhibiting the five qualities of truth, beauty, adventure, art, peace.

The human body is an instrument for the production of art in the life of the human soul.