I'm very suspicious of the idea of a "final theory" in natural science, and the thought of a complete system of ethical rules seems even more dubious.

It's a very bad idea for scientific conclusions to be accepted because they fit with the political values of a group of researchers.

I believe that the arts make indispensable contributions to our understanding.

Philosophers ought to aspire to know lots of different things and to forge useful synthetic perspectives.

It may be hyperbolic to declare that Shakespeare teaches us more about being human than all the natural scientists combined.

The "little theme" from Vinteuil, heard by Swann as emblematic of his love for Odette, remains a point of reference for him, as the character of that love changes and as the love eventually fades.

Science literacy consists in the ability and the desire to follow reports of new scientific advances, throughout your whole life.

The theory of evolution explains to us what our ancestry has been. It does not explain away our worth. Why should we be afraid to learn more about what we are?

In ethics, we don't make progress by discovering pre-existent truths; we do so by solving problems.

The point of philosophy, as I see it, is to change thinking, and thereby to change the conversation.

I take the ethical truths to be the stable elements that emerge out of ethical progress and that are retained under further ethical progress.

Pride refuses to be taught. Humility refuses not to be.

My administration will follow two simple rules. Buy American and hire American.

Everything beautiful has to be worked for.

There has never been a boy painter, nor can there be. The art requires a long apprenticeship, being mechanical, as well as intellectual.

Although they like to call themselves journalists, that's a myth even they don't really believe anymore. They're mutts on short leashes.

The desperation meeting the silence with its unmasked wish.

I pray daily, not for more riches, but for more wisdom with which to recognize, embrace and enjoy what I already possess.

You get to live your life again through the eyes of your children. I conquered a fear the other day by going on a roller coaster, I haven't been on one in 15 years - I felt like I was six years old.

Democracy requires that if you who don't like the outcome of elections you have to tolerate it and then pursue your interest the next time around.

It was very interesting [book Fast Food Nation] because all my friends who were in college, [and] this book became almost mandatory for them to read.