The stupid delude themselves that anything is possible; the clever, that whatever they cannot do cannot be done.
Apr 302013
Erring
Error is boundless.
Nor hope nor doubt,
Though both be groundless,
Will average out.
—Cunningham
Apr 052013
The superstitions of a culture are easily discerned: they are the matters on which everyone agrees.
Mar 122013
A new law is passed. We do not read it; would not understand it if we read it; could not foresee its consequences if we understood it; yet hold an unalterable opinion of its merits.
Feb 132013
Philosophy begins by asserting that appearance is not reality — that all is water, or fire, or does not move. It thus begins in sin.
Jan 232013
How to Solve Problems
1. Ask if the problem exists.
2. Ask if it is not trivial.
3. Ask if you can do anything about it.
4. Ignore it.
Jan 152013
To determine who is expert requires an expert.
Dec 212012
Our collective delusion that we can fix most problems is another problem we can’t fix.
Dec 182012
Fools do not suffer fools gladly.
Dec 132012
We pay too little regard to surfaces and too much to depths.
Dec 052012
Every contemporary freethinker would believe in Christianity if born in medieval England, and slavery if born in ancient Rome.