knowledge Quotes

Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous.

Human Nature is the only science of man; and yet has been hitherto the most neglected.

Philosophy would render us entirely Pyrrhonian, were not nature too strong for it.

A man acquainted with history may, in some respect, be said to have lived from the beginning of the world, and to have been making continual additions to his stock of knowledge in every century.

Scholastic learning and polemical divinity retarded the growth of all true knowledge.

There is not to be found, in all history, any miracle attested by a sufficient number of men, of such unquestioned good sense, education and learning, as to secure us against all delusion in themselves.

The advantages found in history seem to be of three kinds, as it amuses the fancy, as it improves the understanding, and as it strengthens virtue.

That the sun will not rise tomorrow is no less intelligible a proposition, and implies no more contradiction, than the affirmation, that it will rise.

Truth springs from argument amongst friends.

The chief benefit, which results from philosophy, arises in an indirect manner, and proceeds more from its secret, insensible influence, than from its immediate application.