E. M. Forster on talking

A humanist has four leading characteristics — curiosity, a free mind, belief in good taste, and belief in the human race.

Adventures do occur, but not punctually.

Long books, when read, are usually overpraised, because the reader wants to convince others and himself that he has not wasted his time.

A great many of those who ‘debunk’ traditional…values have in the background values of their own which they believe to be immune from the debunking process.

C. S. Lewis1898–1963The Abolition of Man

• Debate

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

Mark Twain1835–1910

If A is a success in life, than A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut.

Albert Einstein1879–1955

• Success