Robert King Merton, sociologist (1910-2003)

Most institutions demand unqualified faith; but the institution of science makes skepticism a virtue. -Robert King Merton, sociologist (1910-2003)

Demand? Unqualified? A little strong for most institutions.

Voltaire, philosopher (1694-1778)

It is lamentable, that to be a good patriot one must become the enemy of the rest of mankind. -Voltaire, philosopher (1694-1778)

This isn’t really true, though in some times and places, or perhaps even in all times and all places, some people, have been infected by this idea. True patriotism can coexist in the same heart and mind with the appropriate love of mankind.

Rumi, poet and mystic (1207-1273)

There is a field beyond all notions of right and wrong. Come, meet me there. -Rumi, poet and mystic (1207-1273)

It is a false and dangerous idea to think that there is any realm of human activity that is beyond considerations of right and wrong.

Samuel Butler, poet (1612-1680)

For blocks are better cleft with wedges,
Than tools of sharp or subtle edges,
And dullest nonsense has been found
By some to be the most profound. -Samuel Butler, poet (1612-1680)

A blockhead can’t be taught using subtle reasoning. Simple and direct is the way to go. Often this is the best approach even for people with open minds.

H.L. Mencken, writer, editor, and critic (1880-1956)

You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth. -H.L. Mencken, writer, editor, and critic (1880-1956)

Good one. Although of course you can do something about the length of your life, at least to the effect of shortening it.

Robert M. Pirsig, author and philosopher (b. 1928)

When people are fanatically dedicated to political or religious faiths or any other kind of dogmas or goals, it's always because these dogmas or goals are in doubt. -Robert M. Pirsig, author and philosopher (b. 1928)

I don’t know what counts as “fanatical dedication” to Pirsig, but as it stands I would say this is baloney, typical modern pseudo-sophistication. I would be less annoyed if he had left out the “always.” But perhaps it is a Zen thing that I should be less critical of.

Aldous Huxley, novelist (1894-1963)

The more powerful and original a mind, the more it will incline towards the religion of solitude. -Aldous Huxley, novelist (1894-1963)

I don’t think this is necessarily true, especially if one’s religion is Christianity rather that the religion of solitude. Powerful and original Christian minds realize that what they have is a gift intended to benefit others, so they forgo solitude, at least to some extent, in favor of service.