Where the telescope ends, the microscope begins. Which of these two has the grander view?
—Victor Hugo, 1862
Archive
Quotes
There is something stirring in the way civilization gapes like a savage at the achievements of nature.
—Karl Kraus, 1909Cows are among the gentlest of breathing creatures; none show more passionate tenderness to their young when deprived of them—and, in short, I am not ashamed to profess a deep love for these quiet creatures.
—Thomas De Quincey, 1821Revolutions are not made by men in spectacles.
—Oliver Wendell Holmes, 1871We who officially value freedom of speech above life itself seem to have nothing to talk about but the weather.
—Barbara Ehrenreich, 1991What is death? A scary mask. Take it off—see, it doesn’t bite.
—Epictetus, c. 110All those who suffer in the world do so because of their desire for their own happiness.
—Shantideva, c. 750If not us, who? If not now, when?
—Czech slogan, 1989There is no shop anywhere where one can buy friendship.
—Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, 1943Never make a defense or apology before you be accused.
—Charles I, 1636One race there is of men, one of gods, but from one mother we both draw our breath.
—Pindar, c. 450 BCThere is no art without Eros.
—Max Frisch, 1983There is no profit without another’s loss.
—Roman proverb