When we study human language, we are approaching what some might call the 'human essence,' the distinctive qualities of mind that ...are, so far as we know, unique to man and that are inseparable from any critical phase of human existence, personal or social. Hence the fascination of this study, and, no less, its frustration. The frustration arises from the coming to grips with the core problem of human language, which I take to be this: having mastered a language, one is able to understand an indefinite number of expressions that are new to one's experience, that bear no simply physical resemblance and are in no simple way analogous to the expressions that constitute one's linguistic experience; and one is able ... to produce such expressions on an appropriate occasion, despite their novelty.... The normal use of language is, in this sense, a creative activity. This creative aspect of normal language use is one fundamental factor that distinguishes human language from any known system of animal communication.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Intolerance is the "Do Not Touch" sign on something that cannot bear touching. We do not mind having our hair ruffled, but we will... not tolerate any familiarity with the toupee which covers our baldness.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
We must bear in mind the distinction between fame and honor. A virtuous person is an honorable person, a person who ought to be ho...nored by the community in which he or she lives. But the virtuous person does not seek honor, being secure in his or her own self-respect. Lack of honor does not in any way detract from the efficacy of moral virtue as an indispensable operative means in the pursuit of happiness.... Those totally lacking in virtue may achieve fame as readily as, perhaps even more easily than those who are virtuous. Fame belongs to the great, the outstanding, the exceptional, without regard to virtue or vice. Infamy is fame no less than good repute. The great scoundrel can be as famous as the great hero; there can be famous villains as well as famous saints. Existing in the reputation a person has regardless of his or her accomplishments, fame does not tarnish as honor does when it is unmerited.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
He was as jealous of his power as an impotent lover of his mistress, without activity of mind enough to enjoy or exert it, but cou...ld not bear a share even in the appearances of it.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
A wise man will live as much within his wit as his income.... Bear this truth always in your mind, that you may be admired for you...r wit, if you have any; but that nothing but good sense and good qualities can make you be loved.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Since every man who lives is born to die, And none can boast sincere felicity,... With equal mind, what happens, let us bear, Nor joy nor grieve too much for things beyond our care.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Since ev'ry man who lives is born to die, And none can boast sincere felicity,... With equal mind, what happens, let us bear, Nor joy nor grieve too much for things beyond our care.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
A mind that questions everything, unless strong enough to bear the weight of its ignorance, risks questioning itself and being eng...ulfed in doubt. If it cannot discover the claims to existence of the objects of its questioning--and it would be miraculous if it so soon succeeded in solving so many mysteries--it will deny them all reality, the mere formulation of the problem already implying an inclination to negative solutions. But in so doing it will become void of all positive content and, finding nothing which offers it resistance, will launch itself perforce into the emptiness of inner revery.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Bear in mind that you should conduct yourself in life as at a feast. Is some dish brought to you? Then put forth your hand and hel...p yourself in seemly fashion. Does it pass you by? Then do not hold it back. Has it not yet come to you? Then do not stretch out for it at a distance, but wait till it is at your hand. And thus doing with regard to children, and wife, and authority, and wealth, you will be a worthy guest at the table of the gods. And if you even pass over things that are offered to you, and refuse to take of them, then you will not only share the banquet of the gods, but also their dominion.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
I had some short struggle in my mind whether I should resign my lover or my liberty, but this lasted not long. I found myself as f...ree as air and could not bear the thought of putting myself in any man's power for life only from a present capricious inclination.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »