Aristotle maintained that women have fewer teeth than men; although he was twice married, it never occurred to him to verify this statement by examining his wives' mouths.

The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd.

—Bertrand Russell

There are two motives for reading a book: one, that you enjoy it; the other, that you can boast about it.

—Bertrand Russell

There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.

—Bertrand Russell

Not to be absolutely certain is, I think, one of the essential things in rationality.

—Bertrand Russell

I am a kind of paranoiac in reverse. I suspect people of plotting to make me happy.

—J. D. Salinger

In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.

—Bertrand Russell

Human beings are perhaps never more frightening than when they are convinced beyond doubt that they are right.

—Laurens Van der Post

If an elderly but distinguished scientist says that something is possible, he is almost certainly right; but if he says that it is impossible, he is very probably wrong.

—Arthur C. Clarke

Let judges secretly despair of justice: their verdicts will be more acute. Let generals secretly despair of triumph: killing will be defamed. Let priests secretly despair of faith: their compassion will be true.

—Leonard Cohen