The conclusion suggested by these arguments might be called the paradox of theorizing. It asserts that if the terms and the genera...l principles of a scientific theory serve their purpose, i. e., if they establish the definite connections among observable phenomena, then they can be dispensed with since any chain of laws and interpretive statements establishing such a connection should then be replaceable by a law which directly links observational antecedents to observational consequents.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
The mass of men serve the state thus, not as men mainly, but as machines, with their bodies. They are the standing army, and the m...ilitia, jailers, constables, posse comitatus, etc. In most cases there is no free exercise whatever of the judgment or of the moral sense; but they put themselves on a level with wood and earth and stones; and wooden men can perhaps be manufactured that will serve the purpose as well. Such command no more respect than men of straw or a lump of dirt. They have the same sort of worth only as horses and dogs. Yet such as these even are commonly esteemed good citizens. Others--as most legislators, politicians, lawyers, ministers, and office-holders--serve the state chiefly with their heads; and, as they rarely make any moral distinctions, they are as likely to serve the devil, without intending it, as God. A very few--as heroes, patriots, martyrs, reformers in the great sense, and men--serve the state with their consciences also, and so necessarily resist it for the most part; and are commonly treated as enemies by it.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
All is changed. All looks strange to me and gives me a feeling which I would rather get away from, although I know it to be the ca...rrying out of natural laws. And I am not complaining. I am doing the same as many old people have done, I suppose, who have led an active life and suddenly find themselves living without a purpose. Oh, my heart is so full. I could write a big book on the subject of going out of this world gracefully.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. It is a seeking that he who wishes may know the cosmic s...ecrets of the world and that they dwell therein.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Parenthood is not an object of appetite or even desire. It is an object of will. There is no appetite for parenthood; there is onl...y a purpose or intention of parenthood.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »