George Santayana (1863-1952)

Quotes

• The body is an instrument, the mind its function, the witness and reward of its operation.

• Our character...is an omen of our destiny, and the more integrity we have and keep, the simpler and nobler that destiny is likely to be.

• America is a young country with an old mentality.

• Science is nothing but developed perception, interpreted intent, common sense rounded out and minutely articulated.

• Society is like the air; necessary to breathe, but insufficient to live on.

• To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.

• Character is the basis of happiness and happiness the sanction of character.

• A child educated only at school is an uneducated child.

• Life is not a spectacle or feast; it is a predicament.

• Repetition is the only form of permanence that nature can achieve.

• The truth is cruel, but it can be loved and it makes free those who love it.

• If one is the master of one thing and understands one thing well, one has at the same time insight into and understanding of many things.

• Life is not a spectacle or a feast: it is a predicament.

• People are usually more firmly convinced that their opinions are precious that that they are true.

• There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval.

• Before he sets out, the traveler must possess fixed interests and facilities to be served by travel.

• The wisest mind has something yet to learn.

• Before you contradict an old man, my fair friend, you should endeavor to understand him.

• A man's feet should be planted in his country, but his eyes should survey the world.

• Sanity is a madness put to good use.