English Quotes

Who is right and who is wrong is determined by others, time, and history. But if a novelist writes a work standing on the side of a high wall for whatever reason, is there any value in this work? #HarukiMurakami — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Jan 1, 2026

This is perhaps a definition of what all work can be when it goes well: a more elevated version of the person who created it. #TheSchoolOfLife

This is perhaps a definition of what all work can be when it goes well: a more elevated version of the person who created it. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 31, 2025

The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, it's a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamplit desk. #SusanCain

The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, it's a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamplit desk. #SusanCain — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 31, 2025

The biggest problem we now collectively face is that for many people, companies, nonprofit organizations, and governments, their incomes are low in relation to their expenses, and their debts and other liabilities are very large relative to the value of their assets. #RayDalio

The biggest problem we now collectively face is that for many people, companies, nonprofit organizations, and governments, their incomes are low in relation to their expenses, and their debts and other liabilities are very large relative to the value of their assets. #RayDalio — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 31, 2025

We can change our minds, but it takes something deeper, more spiritual, to change our hearts and to change our souls. #RichardEyre

We can change our minds, but it takes something deeper, more spiritual, to change our hearts and to change our souls. #RichardEyre — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 31, 2025

You always own the option of having no opinion. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can't control. These things are not asking to be judged by you. Leave them alone. #MarcusAurelius

You always own the option of having no opinion. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can't control. These things are not asking to be judged by you. Leave them alone. #MarcusAurelius — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 31, 2025

Farmers, by contrast, had to toil in the fields and working the soil left little time for leisure. No pain, no grain. Some theologists even suspect that the story of the Fall alludes to the shift to organised agriculture, as starkly characterised by Genesis #RutgerBregman

Farmers, by contrast, had to toil in the fields and working the soil left little time for leisure. No pain, no grain. Some theologists even suspect that the story of the Fall alludes to the shift to organised agriculture, as starkly characterised by Genesis #RutgerBregman — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 30, 2025

There must be some supreme creative energy, he thought, that can take love and turn it into synapses and then take a population of synapses and turn it into love. The hand of God must be there #DavidBrooks

There must be some supreme creative energy, he thought, that can take love and turn it into synapses and then take a population of synapses and turn it into love. The hand of God must be there #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 30, 2025

The savage and the civilised man differ so much in the bottom of their hearts and in their inclinations, that what constitutes the supreme happiness of one would reduce the other to despair. The former breathes only peace and liberty #JeanJacquesRousseau

The savage and the civilised man differ so much in the bottom of their hearts and in their inclinations, that what constitutes the supreme happiness of one would reduce the other to despair. The former breathes only peace and liberty #JeanJacquesRousseau — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 30, 2025

Anger held inside becomes hate. #GaryChapman

Anger held inside becomes hate. #GaryChapman — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 30, 2025

Today married people in Western Europe and North America are generally happier, healthier, and better protected against economic setbacks and psychological depression than people in any other living arrangement. #StephanieCoontz

Today married people in Western Europe and North America are generally happier, healthier, and better protected against economic setbacks and psychological depression than people in any other living arrangement. #StephanieCoontz — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 30, 2025

...on many college campuses, as we can see in the growth of call-out culture, in the rise in efforts to disinvite or shout down visiting speakers, and in changing norms about speech, including a recent tendency to evaluate speech in terms of safety and danger. #JonathanHaidt

...on many college campuses, as we can see in the growth of call-out culture, in the rise in efforts to disinvite or shout down visiting speakers, and in changing norms about speech, including a recent tendency to evaluate speech in terms of safety and danger. #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 29, 2025

Morality evolved as a solution to the problem of cooperation, as a way of averting the Tragedy of the Commons: Morality is a set of psychological adaptations that allow otherwise selfish individuals to reap the benefits of cooperation. #JoshuaGreene

Morality evolved as a solution to the problem of cooperation, as a way of averting the Tragedy of the Commons: Morality is a set of psychological adaptations that allow otherwise selfish individuals to reap the benefits of cooperation. #JoshuaGreene — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 29, 2025

Wealthy and middle-class people don't worry much about whether there will be food on the table, whether there will be a roof over their heads, or whether they'll be able to get to the doctor when they are sick. Poor people do. Tens of millions of them. #BernieSanders

Wealthy and middle-class people don't worry much about whether there will be food on the table, whether there will be a roof over their heads, or whether they'll be able to get to the doctor when they are sick. Poor people do. Tens of millions of them. #BernieSanders — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 29, 2025

For the more a man has in himself, the less he will want from other people,--the less, indeed, other people can be to him. This is why a high degree of intellect tends to make a man unsocial. #Schopenhauer

For the more a man has in himself, the less he will want from other people,--the less, indeed, other people can be to him. This is why a high degree of intellect tends to make a man unsocial. #Schopenhauer — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 29, 2025

I believe in the fundamental truth of all great religions of the world. #MahatmaGandhi

I believe in the fundamental truth of all great religions of the world. #MahatmaGandhi — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 29, 2025

Embrace reality and deal with it. Be a hyperrealist. #RayDalio

Embrace reality and deal with it. Be a hyperrealist. #RayDalio — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 29, 2025

Love radiates from the core of the self, mobilizes the will, and synthesizes a variety of one's desires. As Harry Frankfurt put it, loving frees us from the constraints and difficulties inherent in the fact of not knowing what to think, and, I would add, what to feel. #EvaIllouz

Love radiates from the core of the self, mobilizes the will, and synthesizes a variety of one's desires. As Harry Frankfurt put it, loving frees us from the constraints and difficulties inherent in the fact of not knowing what to think, and, I would add, what to feel. #EvaIllouz — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 28, 2025

In societies such as ours, it is unusual for anyone describable as an intellectual to feel a very deep attachment to his own country. Public opinion--that is, the section of public opinion of which he as an intellectual is aware--will not allow him to do so. #GeorgeOrwell

In societies such as ours, it is unusual for anyone describable as an intellectual to feel a very deep attachment to his own country. Public opinion--that is, the section of public opinion of which he as an intellectual is aware--will not allow him to do so. #GeorgeOrwell — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 28, 2025

Over and over again, studies show that people set out on a cognitive mission to bring back reasons to support their preferred belief or action. And because we are usually successful in this mission, we end up with the illusion of objectivity. #JonathanHaidt

Over and over again, studies show that people set out on a cognitive mission to bring back reasons to support their preferred belief or action. And because we are usually successful in this mission, we end up with the illusion of objectivity. #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 28, 2025

I suggesting that we protect our spaces and our time for non-instrumental, noncommercial activity and thought, for maintenance, for care, for conviviality. #JennyOdell

I suggesting that we protect our spaces and our time for non-instrumental, noncommercial activity and thought, for maintenance, for care, for conviviality. #JennyOdell — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 28, 2025

One opposite of imagination is efficiency. #HarukiMurakami

One opposite of imagination is efficiency. #HarukiMurakami — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 28, 2025

Is it better to work out consciously and critically one's own conception of the world [...] in connection with the labours of one's own brain, choose one's sphere of activity, take an active part in the creation of the history of the world, be one's own guide [?] #AntonioGramsci

Is it better to work out consciously and critically one's own conception of the world [...] in connection with the labours of one's own brain, choose one's sphere of activity, take an active part in the creation of the history of the world, be one's own guide [?] #AntonioGramsci — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 27, 2025

What we call depression is sadness and anger that have for too long not been paid their dues. #TheSchoolOfLife

What we call depression is sadness and anger that have for too long not been paid their dues. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 27, 2025

Our moral thinking is much more like a politician searching for votes than a scientist searching for truth. #JonathanHaidt

Our moral thinking is much more like a politician searching for votes than a scientist searching for truth. #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 27, 2025

...each of us is constantly at risk of 'transferring' patterns of behaviour and feeling from the past to a present that doesn't realistically call for it. We feel a need to punish people who aren't to blame; we worry about a humiliation which isn't anywhere... #TheSchoolOfLife

...each of us is constantly at risk of 'transferring' patterns of behaviour and feeling from the past to a present that doesn't realistically call for it. We feel a need to punish people who aren't to blame; we worry about a humiliation which isn't anywhere... #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 27, 2025

The risk of a fatal car crash with a driver who's eighty-five or older is more than three times higher than it is with a teenage driver. #AtulGawande

The risk of a fatal car crash with a driver who's eighty-five or older is more than three times higher than it is with a teenage driver. #AtulGawande — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 27, 2025

The inability to predict outliers implies the inability to predict the course of history #NassimNicholasTaleb

The inability to predict outliers implies the inability to predict the course of history #NassimNicholasTaleb — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 27, 2025

Our elderly are left with a controlled and supervised institutional existence, a medically designed answer to unfixable problems, a life designed to be safe but empty of anything they care about. #AtulGawande

Our elderly are left with a controlled and supervised institutional existence, a medically designed answer to unfixable problems, a life designed to be safe but empty of anything they care about. #AtulGawande — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 26, 2025

The popular element feels but does not always know or understand; the intellectual element knows but does not always understand and in particular does not always feel. #AntonioGramsci

The popular element feels but does not always know or understand; the intellectual element knows but does not always understand and in particular does not always feel. #AntonioGramsci — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 26, 2025

Dan Bartels found that people who generally favor effortful thinking over intuitive thinking are more likely to make utilitarian judgments, and Adam Moore and colleagues found that utilitarian judgment is associated with better cognitive control abilities. #JoshuaGreene

Dan Bartels found that people who generally favor effortful thinking over intuitive thinking are more likely to make utilitarian judgments, and Adam Moore and colleagues found that utilitarian judgment is associated with better cognitive control abilities. #JoshuaGreene — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 26, 2025

There's no room for facts when our minds are occupied by fear. #HansRosling

There's no room for facts when our minds are occupied by fear. #HansRosling — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 26, 2025

One of the signature facts of the Internet age is that distance is not dead. #DavidBrooks

One of the signature facts of the Internet age is that distance is not dead. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 26, 2025

[Common sense] is a spontaneous set of beliefs which together express a conception of the world which takes the social order as 'the way things are.' It is apparently the 'spontaneous feelings' that people have, the traditional popular conception of the world... #AntonioGramsci

[Common sense] is a spontaneous set of beliefs which together express a conception of the world which takes the social order as 'the way things are.' It is apparently the 'spontaneous feelings' that people have, the traditional popular conception of the world... #AntonioGramsci — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 26, 2025

...the speed with which we're inventing our world is outpacing our avility to understand the impact of our inventions. #BruceDPerry

...the speed with which we're inventing our world is outpacing our avility to understand the impact of our inventions. #BruceDPerry — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 25, 2025

It's no wonder that childhood attachment styles persist in adulthood: The whole attachment system persists. #JonathanHaidt

It's no wonder that childhood attachment styles persist in adulthood: The whole attachment system persists. #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 25, 2025

If the alt-right is betting on inattention and a knee-jerk reaction that spreads like wildfire, theye won that bet several times. Even when victims of this tactic try to lay out the missing context in idiot-proof language, it's often too little too late. #JennyOdell

If the alt-right is betting on inattention and a knee-jerk reaction that spreads like wildfire, theye won that bet several times. Even when victims of this tactic try to lay out the missing context in idiot-proof language, it's often too little too late. #JennyOdell — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 25, 2025

She explained that many people, but especially women, feel fraudulent when they are praised for their accomplishments. Instead of feeling worthy of recognition, they feel undeserving and guilty, as if a mistake has been made. #SherylSandberg

She explained that many people, but especially women, feel fraudulent when they are praised for their accomplishments. Instead of feeling worthy of recognition, they feel undeserving and guilty, as if a mistake has been made. #SherylSandberg — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 25, 2025

America has no permanent friends or enemies, only interests. #HenryKissinger

America has no permanent friends or enemies, only interests. #HenryKissinger — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 25, 2025

Be your own worst critic. When things go wrong it's tempting to shift the blame. Don't. Accept responsibility. People will appreciate it, and you will find out what you're capable of. #PaulArden

Be your own worst critic. When things go wrong it's tempting to shift the blame. Don't. Accept responsibility. People will appreciate it, and you will find out what you're capable of. #PaulArden — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 24, 2025

If then the people promises simply to obey, by that very act it dissolves itself and loses what makes it a people; the moment a master exists, there is no longer a Sovereign, and from that moment the body politic has ceased to exist. #JeanJacquesRousseau

If then the people promises simply to obey, by that very act it dissolves itself and loses what makes it a people; the moment a master exists, there is no longer a Sovereign, and from that moment the body politic has ceased to exist. #JeanJacquesRousseau — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 24, 2025

[A movement] endures because a movement's leaders give participants new habits that create a fresh sense of identity and a feeling of ownership. #CharlesDuhigg

[A movement] endures because a movement's leaders give participants new habits that create a fresh sense of identity and a feeling of ownership. #CharlesDuhigg — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 24, 2025

Self-respect is produced by inner triumphs, not external ones. #DavidBrooks

Self-respect is produced by inner triumphs, not external ones. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 24, 2025

Simplicity [...] can be defined as the result and precious fruit of clarifying our goals. #TheSchoolOfLife

Simplicity [...] can be defined as the result and precious fruit of clarifying our goals. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 24, 2025

Both memory and imagination exist only in your mind. #Sadhguru

Both memory and imagination exist only in your mind. #Sadhguru — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 24, 2025

Our representation of the standard criminal might be based on the properties of those less intelligent ones who were caught. #NassimNicholasTaleb

Our representation of the standard criminal might be based on the properties of those less intelligent ones who were caught. #NassimNicholasTaleb — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 23, 2025

Blocked growth, growth short of full human identity--an immature, incomplete self. #BettyFriedan

Blocked growth, growth short of full human identity--an immature, incomplete self. #BettyFriedan — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 23, 2025

...riddled with pointless talk, insane quantities of words and images. Stupidity's never blind or mute. So it's not a problem of getting people to express themselves but of providing little gaps of solitude and silence in which they might eventually find something to say #Deleuze

...riddled with pointless talk, insane quantities of words and images. Stupidity's never blind or mute. So it's not a problem of getting people to express themselves but of providing little gaps of solitude and silence in which they might eventually find something to say #Deleuze — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 23, 2025

Things that are familiar lose their power to entice the imagination. #TheSchoolOfLife

Things that are familiar lose their power to entice the imagination. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 23, 2025

We cannot live without food, water, clean air, and shelter. Less self-evidently, we require companionship, play, touch, and intimacy. These are all biological as well as psychological necessities (and this is by no means a comprehensive list). #JordanPeterson

We cannot live without food, water, clean air, and shelter. Less self-evidently, we require companionship, play, touch, and intimacy. These are all biological as well as psychological necessities (and this is by no means a comprehensive list). #JordanPeterson — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 23, 2025

The travails of being an employee include not only uncertainty about the duration of one's employment, but also the humiliation of many working practices and dynamics. #AlaindeBotton

The travails of being an employee include not only uncertainty about the duration of one's employment, but also the humiliation of many working practices and dynamics. #AlaindeBotton — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 23, 2025

Joy tends to involve some transcendence of self. It's when the skin barrier between you and some other person or entity fades away and you feel fused together. #DavidBrooks

Joy tends to involve some transcendence of self. It's when the skin barrier between you and some other person or entity fades away and you feel fused together. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 22, 2025

Encountering potential partners via online dating profiles reduces three-dimensional people to two-dimensional displays of information #AzizAnsari

Encountering potential partners via online dating profiles reduces three-dimensional people to two-dimensional displays of information #AzizAnsari — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 22, 2025

Inaction is also karma. #Sadhguru

Inaction is also karma. #Sadhguru — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 22, 2025

Passionate hatreds can give meaning and purpose to an empty life. These people haunted by the purposelessness of their lives try to find a new content not only by dedicating themselves to a holy cause but also by nursing a fanatical grievance. #EricHoffer

Passionate hatreds can give meaning and purpose to an empty life. These people haunted by the purposelessness of their lives try to find a new content not only by dedicating themselves to a holy cause but also by nursing a fanatical grievance. #EricHoffer — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 22, 2025

The Victorians did not have some secret formula, since lost, about how to expect the best of marriage and still put up with the worst. Rather, they were much more accepting than we are today. [...] In large part, this was because they had no other choice. #StephanieCoontz

The Victorians did not have some secret formula, since lost, about how to expect the best of marriage and still put up with the worst. Rather, they were much more accepting than we are today. [...] In large part, this was because they had no other choice. #StephanieCoontz — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 22, 2025

...the point of relationships, which is not so much to defeat an opponent as to help each other evolve into the best versions of ourselves. #TheSchoolOfLife

...the point of relationships, which is not so much to defeat an opponent as to help each other evolve into the best versions of ourselves. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 21, 2025

The belly is an ungrateful wretch, it never remembers past favors, it always wants more tomorrow. #AleksandrSolzhenitsyn

The belly is an ungrateful wretch, it never remembers past favors, it always wants more tomorrow. #AleksandrSolzhenitsyn — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 21, 2025

...don't worry about socializing with everyone else. Relationships make everyone happier, introverts included, but think quality over quantity. #SusanCain

...don't worry about socializing with everyone else. Relationships make everyone happier, introverts included, but think quality over quantity. #SusanCain — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 21, 2025

All resistance is a rupture with what is. And every rupture begins, for those engaged in it, through a rupture with oneself. #AlainBadiou

All resistance is a rupture with what is. And every rupture begins, for those engaged in it, through a rupture with oneself. #AlainBadiou — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 21, 2025

Happiness comes from accomplishments; joy comes from offering gifts. Happiness fades; we get used to the things that used to make us happy. Joy doesn't fade. To live with joy is to live with wonder, gratitude, and hope. #DavidBrooks

Happiness comes from accomplishments; joy comes from offering gifts. Happiness fades; we get used to the things that used to make us happy. Joy doesn't fade. To live with joy is to live with wonder, gratitude, and hope. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 21, 2025

Let's imagine that 95 percent of the food on Earth magically disappears tonight... [will it be the] most violent individuals in each town [who survive]? Or will it be the people who manage to work together in groups to monopolize, hide, and share the [food?] #JonathanHaidt

Let's imagine that 95 percent of the food on Earth magically disappears tonight... [will it be the] most violent individuals in each town [who survive]? Or will it be the people who manage to work together in groups to monopolize, hide, and share the [food?] #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 20, 2025

By 2050, not only the idea of a job for life but even that of a profession for life might seem antediluvian. #YuvalNoahHarari

By 2050, not only the idea of a job for life but even that of a profession for life might seem antediluvian. #YuvalNoahHarari — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 20, 2025

The important books should be those that leave us wondering, with relief and gratitude, how the author could possibly have known so much about our lives. #AlaindeBotton

The important books should be those that leave us wondering, with relief and gratitude, how the author could possibly have known so much about our lives. #AlaindeBotton — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 20, 2025

No one can live happily who has regard to himself alone and transforms everything into a question of his own utility; you must live for your neighbour, if you would live for yourself. #Seneca

No one can live happily who has regard to himself alone and transforms everything into a question of his own utility; you must live for your neighbour, if you would live for yourself. #Seneca — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 20, 2025

Words of wisdom, the meaning of life, perhaps even the answer sought by Borges's librarians--all of these may wash over us every day, but they can do little for us unless we savor them, engage with them, question them, improve them, and connect them to our lives #JonathanHaidt

Words of wisdom, the meaning of life, perhaps even the answer sought by Borges's librarians--all of these may wash over us every day, but they can do little for us unless we savor them, engage with them, question them, improve them, and connect them to our lives #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 20, 2025

Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless; peacocks and lilies for instance. #JohnRuskin

Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless; peacocks and lilies for instance. #JohnRuskin — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 20, 2025

The Tragedy of the Commons is averted by a suite of automatic settings--moral emotions that motivate and stabilize cooperation within limited groups. But the Tragedy of Commonsense Morality arises because of automatic settings [among different tribes' moral lens]. #JoshuaGreene

The Tragedy of the Commons is averted by a suite of automatic settings--moral emotions that motivate and stabilize cooperation within limited groups. But the Tragedy of Commonsense Morality arises because of automatic settings [among different tribes' moral lens]. #JoshuaGreene — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 19, 2025

It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business. #MahatmaGandhi

It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business. #MahatmaGandhi — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 19, 2025

In today's politics, if you forget that A) your perception of reality has probably been at least a little manipulated, and B) your opponents are behaving the way they are based on a perception of reality that's different from your own--you're bound to get things wrong. #TimUrban

In today's politics, if you forget that A) your perception of reality has probably been at least a little manipulated, and B) your opponents are behaving the way they are based on a perception of reality that's different from your own--you're bound to get things wrong. #TimUrban — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 19, 2025

Ordinary people think merely of spending time, great people think of using it. #ArthurSchopenhauer

Ordinary people think merely of spending time, great people think of using it. #ArthurSchopenhauer — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 19, 2025

My life does not belong to others and I am not here on earth to live up to someone else's expectations. #NathanielBranden

My life does not belong to others and I am not here on earth to live up to someone else's expectations. #NathanielBranden — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 19, 2025

Through such statements political leaders can gain the benefits of magnanimity without the stain of involvement: the person making the apology had done nothing wrong and all the people who could have received the apology are dead. #DouglasMurray

Through such statements political leaders can gain the benefits of magnanimity without the stain of involvement: the person making the apology had done nothing wrong and all the people who could have received the apology are dead. #DouglasMurray — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 18, 2025

Some people go through life collecting all kinds of observations and opinions like pocket lint, instead of just keeping what they need. They have 'detail anxiety,' worrying about unimportant things. #RayDalio

Some people go through life collecting all kinds of observations and opinions like pocket lint, instead of just keeping what they need. They have 'detail anxiety,' worrying about unimportant things. #RayDalio — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 18, 2025

We study history not to know the future but to widen our horizons, to understand that our present situation is neither natural nor inevitable, and that we consequently have many more possibilities before us than we imagine. #YuvalNoahHarari

We study history not to know the future but to widen our horizons, to understand that our present situation is neither natural nor inevitable, and that we consequently have many more possibilities before us than we imagine. #YuvalNoahHarari — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 18, 2025

Unfortunately it isn't enough to be kind, interesting, intelligent and wise inside: we need to develop the skill that allows us to make our talents active in the world at large. Confidence is what translates theory into practice. #TheSchoolOfLife

Unfortunately it isn't enough to be kind, interesting, intelligent and wise inside: we need to develop the skill that allows us to make our talents active in the world at large. Confidence is what translates theory into practice. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 18, 2025

[33] young enough, though no longer a young man. The age that Jesus Christ died [...] Scott Fitzgerald started to go downhill [...] a kind of crossroads in life [...] when I began my life as a runner, and it was my belated, but real, starting point as a novelist. #HarukiMurakami

- December 17, 2025

[33] young enough, though no longer a young man. The age that Jesus Christ died [...] Scott Fitzgerald started to go downhill [...] a kind of crossroads in life [...] when I began my life as a runner, and it was my belated, but real, starting point as a novelist. #HarukiMurakami — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 18, 2025

[Kant's test,] categorical imperative, was extraordinarily powerful. It offered to make ethics a branch of applied logic, thereby giving it the sort of certainty that secular ethics, without recourse to a sacred book, had always found elusive. #JonathanHaidt

[Kant's test,] categorical imperative, was extraordinarily powerful. It offered to make ethics a branch of applied logic, thereby giving it the sort of certainty that secular ethics, without recourse to a sacred book, had always found elusive. #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 15, 2025

At the end of our quiet day, we turn in early, so we'll be fresh in the morning. In the minutes before we sleep, we go over the memories of a trip from years ago [...] we don't need to go anywhere--our lives are rich and large already. #TheSchoolOfLife

At the end of our quiet day, we turn in early, so we'll be fresh in the morning. In the minutes before we sleep, we go over the memories of a trip from years ago [...] we don't need to go anywhere--our lives are rich and large already. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 15, 2025

In anger or defensiveness, honest ambiguity is the enemy; we are fortified by the certainty that only comes with fiction. We concoct stories regarding the motivations of even those we are supposed to love the most--tales that may bear little relation to reality. #DerrenBrown

In anger or defensiveness, honest ambiguity is the enemy; we are fortified by the certainty that only comes with fiction. We concoct stories regarding the motivations of even those we are supposed to love the most--tales that may bear little relation to reality. #DerrenBrown — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 14, 2025

Memory is more of a self-serving dynamic revision machine: you remember the last time you remembered the event, and without realizing it, change the story at every subsequent remembrance. #NassimNicholasTaleb

Memory is more of a self-serving dynamic revision machine: you remember the last time you remembered the event, and without realizing it, change the story at every subsequent remembrance. #NassimNicholasTaleb — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 14, 2025

Sin is also a necessary piece of our mental furniture because sin is communal, while error is individual. #DavidBrooks

Sin is also a necessary piece of our mental furniture because sin is communal, while error is individual. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 14, 2025

You could build a system and you can either be overly aggressive and capture a higher percent of the bad guys but then also by accident take out some number of good guys, or you could be a little more lenient #MarkZuckerberg

You could build a system and you can either be overly aggressive and capture a higher percent of the bad guys but then also by accident take out some number of good guys, or you could be a little more lenient #MarkZuckerberg — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 14, 2025

Anxiety is the handmaiden of contemporary ambition. #AlaindeBotton

Anxiety is the handmaiden of contemporary ambition. #AlaindeBotton — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 14, 2025

The better we understand history, the faster history alters its course, and the faster our knowledge becomes outdated. #YuvalNoahHarari

The better we understand history, the faster history alters its course, and the faster our knowledge becomes outdated. #YuvalNoahHarari — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 13, 2025

Being rich is having money; being wealthy is having time. #MargaretBonnano

Being rich is having money; being wealthy is having time. #MargaretBonnano — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 13, 2025

One of the consequenses of surviving schizophrenia for fifty years is that sooner or later, the cure becomes as damaging as the disease #RobertKolker

One of the consequenses of surviving schizophrenia for fifty years is that sooner or later, the cure becomes as damaging as the disease #RobertKolker — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 13, 2025

In nature there is only ever one reason you cede the high ground--you are acknowledging defeat [...] But under the rules of politeness, you let the other person off not because you are a weakling, a coward or a failure, but because you value calm over chaos. #TheSchoolOfLife

In nature there is only ever one reason you cede the high ground--you are acknowledging defeat [...] But under the rules of politeness, you let the other person off not because you are a weakling, a coward or a failure, but because you value calm over chaos. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 13, 2025

At every single stage--from its biased arrival, to its biased encoding, to organising it around false logic, to misremembering and then misrepresenting it to others, the mind continually acts to distort the information flow in favour of [a goal of appearing better] #RobertTrivers

At every single stage--from its biased arrival, to its biased encoding, to organising it around false logic, to misremembering and then misrepresenting it to others, the mind continually acts to distort the information flow in favour of [a goal of appearing better] #RobertTrivers — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 13, 2025

Many of the persons commonly considered wealthy are, in reality, no more wealthy than the locks of their own strong boxes, they being inherently and eternally incapable of wealth. #AlaindeBotton

Many of the persons commonly considered wealthy are, in reality, no more wealthy than the locks of their own strong boxes, they being inherently and eternally incapable of wealth. #AlaindeBotton — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 13, 2025

One has to feel very small in order to belittle. #AlaindeBotton

One has to feel very small in order to belittle. #AlaindeBotton — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 12, 2025

We take our cues from what the buildings around us 'speak about'. If they speak of grace and charm, kindness and light, our mood will be buoyant; if, however, they seem to threaten and intimidate us, we will feel humiliated and cowed. #TheSchoolOfLife

We take our cues from what the buildings around us 'speak about'. If they speak of grace and charm, kindness and light, our mood will be buoyant; if, however, they seem to threaten and intimidate us, we will feel humiliated and cowed. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 12, 2025

But if we are convinced by this idea that without a future for humanity we would lose interest in a wide range of our activities and confidence in what we value (much like in the immortality case), then we arrive at a startling conclusion. #DerrenBrown

But if we are convinced by this idea that without a future for humanity we would lose interest in a wide range of our activities and confidence in what we value (much like in the immortality case), then we arrive at a startling conclusion. #DerrenBrown — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 12, 2025

Nowadays, however, economic class is barely mentioned unless combined intersectionally with some other form of marginalized identity. It is therefore no surprise that many working-class and poor people often feel profoundly alienated from today's left #HelenPluckrose

Nowadays, however, economic class is barely mentioned unless combined intersectionally with some other form of marginalized identity. It is therefore no surprise that many working-class and poor people often feel profoundly alienated from today's left #HelenPluckrose — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 12, 2025

And, like news and ordinary conversation, these research conversations tend to cluster around a few currently hot (relevant) topics. Perversely, however, the reliability of research decreases with the popularity of a field. #KevinSimler

And, like news and ordinary conversation, these research conversations tend to cluster around a few currently hot (relevant) topics. Perversely, however, the reliability of research decreases with the popularity of a field. #KevinSimler — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 12, 2025

Anyone who engages in the practice of psychotherapy confronts every day the devastation wrought by the teachings of religion. #NathanielBranden

Anyone who engages in the practice of psychotherapy confronts every day the devastation wrought by the teachings of religion. #NathanielBranden — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 11, 2025

I think Upton Sinclair once wrote that a man has difficulty understanding something if his salary depends on his not understanding. #PatrickRaddenKeefe

I think Upton Sinclair once wrote that a man has difficulty understanding something if his salary depends on his not understanding. #PatrickRaddenKeefe — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 11, 2025

The general uncertainty as to what is really happening makes it easier to cling to lunatic beliefs. Since nothing is ever quite proved or disproved, the most unmistakable fact can be impudently denied. #GeorgeOrwell

The general uncertainty as to what is really happening makes it easier to cling to lunatic beliefs. Since nothing is ever quite proved or disproved, the most unmistakable fact can be impudently denied. #GeorgeOrwell — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 11, 2025

We don't ultimately grow kind by thinking about manners. We grow kind by thinking about self-doubt and self-hatred. #TheSchoolOfLife

We don't ultimately grow kind by thinking about manners. We grow kind by thinking about self-doubt and self-hatred. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 11, 2025

Extroverts are better than introverts at handling information overload. Introverts' reflectiveness uses up a lot of cognitive capacity, according to Joseph Newman. #SusanCain

Extroverts are better than introverts at handling information overload. Introverts' reflectiveness uses up a lot of cognitive capacity, according to Joseph Newman. #SusanCain — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 11, 2025

There is no real freedom without economic justice. #BernieSanders

There is no real freedom without economic justice. #BernieSanders — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 11, 2025

And here's the most basic of all ideological questions: Preserve the present order, or change it? #JonathanHaidt

And here's the most basic of all ideological questions: Preserve the present order, or change it? #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 10, 2025

[Self-integrated people] are not blown off course by storms. They don't crumble in adversity. Their minds are consistent and their hearts are dependable. Their virtues are not the blooming virtues you see in smart college students; they are the ripening virtues... #DavidBrooks

[Self-integrated people] are not blown off course by storms. They don't crumble in adversity. Their minds are consistent and their hearts are dependable. Their virtues are not the blooming virtues you see in smart college students; they are the ripening virtues... #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 10, 2025

...we have seen a broad shift from a culture of humility to the culture of what you might call the Big Me, from a culture that encouraged people to think humbly of themselves to a culture that encouraged people to see themselves as the center of the universe. #DavidBrooks

...we have seen a broad shift from a culture of humility to the culture of what you might call the Big Me, from a culture that encouraged people to think humbly of themselves to a culture that encouraged people to see themselves as the center of the universe. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 10, 2025

The left and right ends of the political spectrum, incensed by economic inequality for their different reasons, curled around to meet each other, and their shared cynicism about the modern economy helped elect the most radical American president in recent times. #StevenPinker

The left and right ends of the political spectrum, incensed by economic inequality for their different reasons, curled around to meet each other, and their shared cynicism about the modern economy helped elect the most radical American president in recent times. #StevenPinker — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 10, 2025

The tribal differences that erupt into public controversy typically concern sex (e.g., gay marriage, gays in the military, the sex lives of public officials) and death at the margins of life (e.g., abortion, physician-assisted suicide, the use of embryonic stem cells #JoshuaGre…

The tribal differences that erupt into public controversy typically concern sex (e.g., gay marriage, gays in the military, the sex lives of public officials) and death at the margins of life (e.g., abortion, physician-assisted suicide, the use of embryonic stem cells #JoshuaGre… — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 10, 2025

Only a small number of people ever self-consciously write their autobiographies. It is a task we associate with celebrities and the very old, but it is, in the background, a universal activity. #TheSchoolOfLife

Only a small number of people ever self-consciously write their autobiographies. It is a task we associate with celebrities and the very old, but it is, in the background, a universal activity. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 10, 2025

...we show interest by widening our eyes and looking toward the thing we're interested in, the better to take in visual information. Unlike words, which vary from language to language, most of these [body language] signals are shared across cultures. #KevinSimler

...we show interest by widening our eyes and looking toward the thing we're interested in, the better to take in visual information. Unlike words, which vary from language to language, most of these [body language] signals are shared across cultures. #KevinSimler — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 9, 2025

What we dislike in others is often a weakness in our own lives. #GaryChapman

What we dislike in others is often a weakness in our own lives. #GaryChapman — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 9, 2025

Be conscious of the cost of context switching. It's very real, and you should try to minimize it. #JeffSutherland

Be conscious of the cost of context switching. It's very real, and you should try to minimize it. #JeffSutherland — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 9, 2025

...identifying keystone habits is tricky. To find them, you have to know where to look. Detecting keystone habits means searching out certain characteristics. #CharlesDuhigg

...identifying keystone habits is tricky. To find them, you have to know where to look. Detecting keystone habits means searching out certain characteristics. #CharlesDuhigg — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 9, 2025

[Distractions] can accumulate and keep us from living the lives we want to live, or, even worse, undermine our capacities for reflection and self-regulation... there are deep ethical implications lurking here for freedom, wellbeing, and even the integrity of the self. #JamesWil…

[Distractions] can accumulate and keep us from living the lives we want to live, or, even worse, undermine our capacities for reflection and self-regulation... there are deep ethical implications lurking here for freedom, wellbeing, and even the integrity of the self. #JamesWil… — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 9, 2025

The more writers we read, the better our understanding of our own mind stands to be. #TheSchoolOfLife

The more writers we read, the better our understanding of our own mind stands to be. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 9, 2025

Life is occupied in both perpetuating itself & in surpassing itself; if all it does is maintain itself, then living is only not dying, & human existence is indistinguishable from an absurd vegetation #SimonedeBeauvoir

Life is occupied in both perpetuating itself & in surpassing itself; if all it does is maintain itself, then living is only not dying, & human existence is indistinguishable from an absurd vegetation #SimonedeBeauvoir — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 8, 2025

When people remember the crucial events that formed them, they don't usually talk about happiness. It is usually the ordeals that seem most significant. Most people shoot for happiness but feel formed through suffering. #DavidBrooks

When people remember the crucial events that formed them, they don't usually talk about happiness. It is usually the ordeals that seem most significant. Most people shoot for happiness but feel formed through suffering. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 8, 2025

[Associate virtue with] an exploration of the volumes daily transcribed within ourselves by our perceptual mechanisms. #TheSchoolOfLife

[Associate virtue with] an exploration of the volumes daily transcribed within ourselves by our perceptual mechanisms. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 8, 2025

The use of single terms implicitly hypersimplifies what are in fact extraordinarily diverse and complex phenomena (that masked complexity is part of the reason that the terms come to carry so much emotional weight). #JordanPeterson

The use of single terms implicitly hypersimplifies what are in fact extraordinarily diverse and complex phenomena (that masked complexity is part of the reason that the terms come to carry so much emotional weight). #JordanPeterson — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 8, 2025

If you were a woman, you had far less time to find a man. True love? This guy has a job and a decent mustache. Lock it down, girl. #AzizAnsari

If you were a woman, you had far less time to find a man. True love? This guy has a job and a decent mustache. Lock it down, girl. #AzizAnsari — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 8, 2025

Snaking through the midst of the banal everyday is a deep weirdness, a world of flowerings, decompositions, and seepages, of a million crawling things, of spores and lacy fungal filaments, of minerals reacting and things being eaten awayll just on the other side... #JennyOdell

Snaking through the midst of the banal everyday is a deep weirdness, a world of flowerings, decompositions, and seepages, of a million crawling things, of spores and lacy fungal filaments, of minerals reacting and things being eaten awayll just on the other side... #JennyOdell — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 8, 2025

What drives us to fury are affronts to our expectations #TheSchoolOfLife

What drives us to fury are affronts to our expectations #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 7, 2025

Our most basic emotional need is not to fall in love but to be genuinely loved by another, to know a love that grows out of reason and choice, not instinct. I need to be loved by someone who chooses to love me, who sees in me something worth loving. #GaryChapman

Our most basic emotional need is not to fall in love but to be genuinely loved by another, to know a love that grows out of reason and choice, not instinct. I need to be loved by someone who chooses to love me, who sees in me something worth loving. #GaryChapman — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 7, 2025

Changes that seem small and unimportant at first will compound into remarkable results if you're willing to stick with them for years. #JamesClear

Changes that seem small and unimportant at first will compound into remarkable results if you're willing to stick with them for years. #JamesClear — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 7, 2025

When we did the large focus group where we split the room by generation--kids on the left, parents on the right--a strange thing happened [...] the parents' side of the room was full of chatter [...] On the kids' side, everyone was buried in their phones #AzizAnsari

When we did the large focus group where we split the room by generation--kids on the left, parents on the right--a strange thing happened [...] the parents' side of the room was full of chatter [...] On the kids' side, everyone was buried in their phones #AzizAnsari — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 7, 2025

Problem #1: Winners and losers have the same goals. #JamesClear

Problem #1: Winners and losers have the same goals. #JamesClear — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 6, 2025

[Self-care] is poised to be wrenched away from activists and turned into an excuse to buy an expensive bath oil. #GabrielleMoss

[Self-care] is poised to be wrenched away from activists and turned into an excuse to buy an expensive bath oil. #GabrielleMoss — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 6, 2025

You don't need a Bill of Rights to protect the rights of the majority in a democracy, because the vote already does that. #JonathanHaidt

You don't need a Bill of Rights to protect the rights of the majority in a democracy, because the vote already does that. #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 6, 2025

In the global digital network, labor is transformed into small parcels of nervous energy picked up by the recombining machine... The workers are deprived of every individual consistency. Strictly speaking, the workers no longer exist. Their time exists... #FrancoBerardi

In the global digital network, labor is transformed into small parcels of nervous energy picked up by the recombining machine... The workers are deprived of every individual consistency. Strictly speaking, the workers no longer exist. Their time exists... #FrancoBerardi — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 6, 2025

[A good life needs to] know how to go along with the rules sufficiently well so as not to get mired in needless fights with authority; and simultaneously never to believe too blindly or too passively in the long-term validity of everything we're asked to study. #TheSchoolOfLife

[A good life needs to] know how to go along with the rules sufficiently well so as not to get mired in needless fights with authority; and simultaneously never to believe too blindly or too passively in the long-term validity of everything we're asked to study. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 6, 2025

The point is, our minds aren't as private as we like to imagine. Other people have partial visibility into what we're thinking. Faced with the translucency of our own minds, then, self-deception is often the most robust way to mislead others. #RobinHanson

The point is, our minds aren't as private as we like to imagine. Other people have partial visibility into what we're thinking. Faced with the translucency of our own minds, then, self-deception is often the most robust way to mislead others. #RobinHanson — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 5, 2025

[The U.S.] will progressively reduce its forces and military installations on Taiwan as the tension in the area diminishes. #HenryKissinger

[The U.S.] will progressively reduce its forces and military installations on Taiwan as the tension in the area diminishes. #HenryKissinger — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 5, 2025

It is time to reject conventional wisdom and incrementalism. It is time to fundamentally rethink our adherence to the system of unfettered capitalism, and to address the unspeakable harm that system is doing to us all. #BernieSanders

It is time to reject conventional wisdom and incrementalism. It is time to fundamentally rethink our adherence to the system of unfettered capitalism, and to address the unspeakable harm that system is doing to us all. #BernieSanders — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 5, 2025

...any man who has known real loves, real revolts, real desires, and real will knows quite well that he has no need of any outside guarantee to be sure of his goals; their certitude comes from his own drive. #SimonedeBeauvoir

...any man who has known real loves, real revolts, real desires, and real will knows quite well that he has no need of any outside guarantee to be sure of his goals; their certitude comes from his own drive. #SimonedeBeauvoir — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 5, 2025

There would be no society if living together depended upon understanding each other. #EricHoffer

There would be no society if living together depended upon understanding each other. #EricHoffer — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 5, 2025

The cognitive sciences have replaced literature as the way many people attempt to understand their own minds. #DavidBrooks

The cognitive sciences have replaced literature as the way many people attempt to understand their own minds. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 5, 2025

The paradoxes embedded into any situation do not allow for a clean and ultimate resolution. You expand liberty at the cost of encouraging license. You crack down on license at the cost of limiting liberty. There is no escaping this sort of trade-off. #DavidBrooks

The paradoxes embedded into any situation do not allow for a clean and ultimate resolution. You expand liberty at the cost of encouraging license. You crack down on license at the cost of limiting liberty. There is no escaping this sort of trade-off. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 4, 2025

Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize? #MarcusAurelius

Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize? #MarcusAurelius — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 4, 2025

As technology accumulates and people in more parts of the planet become interdependent, the hatred between them tends to decrease, for the simple reason that you can't kill someone and trade with him too. #StevenPinker

As technology accumulates and people in more parts of the planet become interdependent, the hatred between them tends to decrease, for the simple reason that you can't kill someone and trade with him too. #StevenPinker — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 4, 2025

Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws. #Plato

Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws. #Plato — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 4, 2025

If we shift as we age toward appreciating everyday pleasures and relationships rather than toward achieving, having and getting, and if we find this more fulfilling, then why do we take so long to do it? Why do we wait until we're old? [...] lessons are hard to learn #AtulGawande

If we shift as we age toward appreciating everyday pleasures and relationships rather than toward achieving, having and getting, and if we find this more fulfilling, then why do we take so long to do it? Why do we wait until we're old? [...] lessons are hard to learn #AtulGawande — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 4, 2025

To discover the rules of society that are best suited to nations, there would need to exist a superior intelligence, who could understand the passions of men without feeling any of them, who had no affinity with our nature but knew it to the full... #JeanJacquesRousseau

To discover the rules of society that are best suited to nations, there would need to exist a superior intelligence, who could understand the passions of men without feeling any of them, who had no affinity with our nature but knew it to the full... #JeanJacquesRousseau — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 3, 2025

We should afford more regularly to exchange self-hatred for lawful and honourable expressions of annoyance. #TheSchoolOfLife

We should afford more regularly to exchange self-hatred for lawful and honourable expressions of annoyance. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 3, 2025

[Hume and Kant] helped to expose [racism's] fundamental flaws. For instance, Hume argued that morality is based on humans' natural attunement to one another's feelings and a discomfort at sensing others' discomfort that can be elevated into more impartial justice. #DouglasMurray

[Hume and Kant] helped to expose [racism's] fundamental flaws. For instance, Hume argued that morality is based on humans' natural attunement to one another's feelings and a discomfort at sensing others' discomfort that can be elevated into more impartial justice. #DouglasMurray — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 3, 2025

...we rely for our self-esteem and sense of comfort on the love of people we cannot control and whose needs and hopes will never align seamlessly with our own. #AlaindeBotton

...we rely for our self-esteem and sense of comfort on the love of people we cannot control and whose needs and hopes will never align seamlessly with our own. #AlaindeBotton — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 3, 2025

Much of what Freud believed to be biological, instinctual, and changeless has been shown by modern research to be a result of specific cultural causes. #BettyFriedan

Much of what Freud believed to be biological, instinctual, and changeless has been shown by modern research to be a result of specific cultural causes. #BettyFriedan — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 3, 2025

...the rich countries liberalized their trade only when their producers were ready, and usually only gradually even then. In other words, historically, trade liberalization has been the outcome rather than the cause of economic development. #HaJoonChang

...the rich countries liberalized their trade only when their producers were ready, and usually only gradually even then. In other words, historically, trade liberalization has been the outcome rather than the cause of economic development. #HaJoonChang — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 3, 2025

In the nineteenth century, the central moral challenge was slavery. In the twentieth century, it was the battle against totalitarianism. We believe that in this century the paramount moral challenge will be the struggle for gender equality around the world. #NicholasDKristof

In the nineteenth century, the central moral challenge was slavery. In the twentieth century, it was the battle against totalitarianism. We believe that in this century the paramount moral challenge will be the struggle for gender equality around the world. #NicholasDKristof — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 2, 2025

Don't think of introversion as something that needs to be cured. #SusanCain

Don't think of introversion as something that needs to be cured. #SusanCain — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 2, 2025

There's nothing special about race. You can make people care less about race by drowning race differences in a sea of similarities, shared goals, and mutual interdependencies. #JonathanHaidt

There's nothing special about race. You can make people care less about race by drowning race differences in a sea of similarities, shared goals, and mutual interdependencies. #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 2, 2025

A 2011 study that boyd conducted with Alice E. Marwick found that Twitter users who had built the most successful personal brands did so by recognizing the fact that they no longer really knew who their audience was. #JennyOdell

A 2011 study that boyd conducted with Alice E. Marwick found that Twitter users who had built the most successful personal brands did so by recognizing the fact that they no longer really knew who their audience was. #JennyOdell — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 2, 2025

It's strange, isn't it?' the woman said in a pensive voice. 'Everything is blowing up around us, but there are still those who care about a broken lock, and others who are dutiful enough to try to fix it... But maybe that's the way it should be. #HarukiMurakami

It's strange, isn't it?' the woman said in a pensive voice. 'Everything is blowing up around us, but there are still those who care about a broken lock, and others who are dutiful enough to try to fix it... But maybe that's the way it should be. #HarukiMurakami — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 2, 2025

The challenge posed to humankind in the twenty-first century by infotech and biotech is arguably much bigger than the challenge posed in the previous era by steam engines, railways and electricity. #YuvalNoahHarari

The challenge posed to humankind in the twenty-first century by infotech and biotech is arguably much bigger than the challenge posed in the previous era by steam engines, railways and electricity. #YuvalNoahHarari — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 1, 2025

I do not come in saying, 'I'm so sorry.' Instead, it's: 'I'm the hospice nurse, and here's what I have to offer you to make your life better. And I know we don't have a lot of time to waste. #AtulGawande

I do not come in saying, 'I'm so sorry.' Instead, it's: 'I'm the hospice nurse, and here's what I have to offer you to make your life better. And I know we don't have a lot of time to waste. #AtulGawande — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 1, 2025

I will repeat the following until I am hoarse: it is contagion that determines the fate of a theory in social science, not its validity. #NassimNicholasTaleb

I will repeat the following until I am hoarse: it is contagion that determines the fate of a theory in social science, not its validity. #NassimNicholasTaleb — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 1, 2025

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. #Plato

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. #Plato — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 1, 2025

Yet a society that properly loved children would know that the greatest factor contributing to children's welfare is the removal of the idea that everyone should automatically have them. A good society would give equal prestige to child-free and childful states. #TheSchoolOfLife

Yet a society that properly loved children would know that the greatest factor contributing to children's welfare is the removal of the idea that everyone should automatically have them. A good society would give equal prestige to child-free and childful states. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 1, 2025

Rightly or wrongly, people might reach the same conclusions about Big Data algorithms: they have lots of hitches, but we have no better alternative. #YuvalNoahHarari

Rightly or wrongly, people might reach the same conclusions about Big Data algorithms: they have lots of hitches, but we have no better alternative. #YuvalNoahHarari — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Dec 1, 2025

Community is attenuated, connections are dissolved, and loneliness spreads. This situation makes it difficult to be good--to fulfill the deep human desires for love and connection. It's hard on people of all ages, but it's especially hard on young adults. #DavidBrooks

Community is attenuated, connections are dissolved, and loneliness spreads. This situation makes it difficult to be good--to fulfill the deep human desires for love and connection. It's hard on people of all ages, but it's especially hard on young adults. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 30, 2025

The love you give each other can be your greatest service. Like ripples in a pond your love spreads out in circles and changes all it touches. The way you treat each other becomes the way you treat all things. #WilliamMartin

The love you give each other can be your greatest service. Like ripples in a pond your love spreads out in circles and changes all it touches. The way you treat each other becomes the way you treat all things. #WilliamMartin — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 30, 2025

When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different. #JamesClear

When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different. #JamesClear — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 30, 2025

If he who has control of men ought not to control the laws, then he who controls the laws ought not control men: otherwise his laws would minister to his passions #JeanJacquesRousseau

If he who has control of men ought not to control the laws, then he who controls the laws ought not control men: otherwise his laws would minister to his passions #JeanJacquesRousseau — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 30, 2025

People in the valley have been broken open. They have been reminded that they are not just the parts of themselves that they put on display. #DavidBrooks

People in the valley have been broken open. They have been reminded that they are not just the parts of themselves that they put on display. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 30, 2025

Since, beginning with the same premise and examining the same body of anthropological evidence, she now arrives at a slightly different sexual role for women, one might seriously question the basis upon which she decides the roles a woman should play #BettyFriedan

Since, beginning with the same premise and examining the same body of anthropological evidence, she now arrives at a slightly different sexual role for women, one might seriously question the basis upon which she decides the roles a woman should play #BettyFriedan — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 29, 2025

We do not want to spend money on marketing side to generate leads. That's why the first million is very hard. It's more like to test water. If we know we can deliver first one million, we know we can deliver second, third? #EricYuan

We do not want to spend money on marketing side to generate leads. That's why the first million is very hard. It's more like to test water. If we know we can deliver first one million, we know we can deliver second, third? #EricYuan — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 29, 2025

In an unequal society, those who land on top want to believe their success is morally justified. In a meritocratic society, this means the winners must believe they have earned their success through their own talent and hard work. #MichaelSandel

In an unequal society, those who land on top want to believe their success is morally justified. In a meritocratic society, this means the winners must believe they have earned their success through their own talent and hard work. #MichaelSandel — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 29, 2025

When central planning resulted in mass famine in rural China, millions starved to death while the youngsters in Europe waving communist red flags knew nothing about it. When in the past whole species or ecosystems were destroyed, no one realized or even cared. #HansRosling

When central planning resulted in mass famine in rural China, millions starved to death while the youngsters in Europe waving communist red flags knew nothing about it. When in the past whole species or ecosystems were destroyed, no one realized or even cared. #HansRosling — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 29, 2025

Throughout human history, people have found that they are most aware of their depths when they are on retreats, during moments of separation and stillness, during moments of quiet communion. #DavidBrooks

Throughout human history, people have found that they are most aware of their depths when they are on retreats, during moments of separation and stillness, during moments of quiet communion. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 29, 2025

In the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. #DavidBrooks

In the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 29, 2025

Conspiracy theories and viral falsehoods are probably as old as language. #StevenPinker

Conspiracy theories and viral falsehoods are probably as old as language. #StevenPinker — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 28, 2025

The Chinese can bring out a seven-month-old fetus, as was reported in the news in September 2012. A heavily pregnant woman in Shaanxi province, Feng Jianmei, was forced to undergo an abortion because she had not sought official permission for her pregnancy. #LeeKuanYew

The Chinese can bring out a seven-month-old fetus, as was reported in the news in September 2012. A heavily pregnant woman in Shaanxi province, Feng Jianmei, was forced to undergo an abortion because she had not sought official permission for her pregnancy. #LeeKuanYew — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 28, 2025

We were not hit but we were injured. We failed to receive the love that makes people firm and whole; that allows them to feel authentic and deserving; that prevents them from being impressed by those who mistreat them; that stops [self-blaming] when they mess up. #TheSchoolOfLife

We were not hit but we were injured. We failed to receive the love that makes people firm and whole; that allows them to feel authentic and deserving; that prevents them from being impressed by those who mistreat them; that stops [self-blaming] when they mess up. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 28, 2025

A species equipped with vengeance and gratitude responses can support larger and more cooperative social groups because the payoff to cheaters is reduced by the costs they bear in making enemies. #JonathanHaidt

A species equipped with vengeance and gratitude responses can support larger and more cooperative social groups because the payoff to cheaters is reduced by the costs they bear in making enemies. #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 28, 2025

The moderate knows there is no ultimate resolution to these tensions. Great matters cannot be settled by taking into account just one principle or one viewpoint. #DavidBrooks

The moderate knows there is no ultimate resolution to these tensions. Great matters cannot be settled by taking into account just one principle or one viewpoint. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 28, 2025

Would-be rulers justified their authority on the basis of their ancestry. [Either] descent from the gods or from an earlier king or legendary hero, their legitimacy depended on the purity of their parents' bloodlines and the validity of their parents' marriages. #StephanieCoontz

Would-be rulers justified their authority on the basis of their ancestry. [Either] descent from the gods or from an earlier king or legendary hero, their legitimacy depended on the purity of their parents' bloodlines and the validity of their parents' marriages. #StephanieCoontz — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 27, 2025

This is all the fault of evolution. For countless generations our biochemical system adapted to increasing our chances of survival and reproduction, not our happiness. #YuvalNoahHarari

This is all the fault of evolution. For countless generations our biochemical system adapted to increasing our chances of survival and reproduction, not our happiness. #YuvalNoahHarari — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 27, 2025

...we all believe in karma, the Hindu notion that people reap what they sow. The psychologist Mel Lerner has demonstrated that we are so motivated to believe that people get what they deserve and deserve what they get that we often blame the victim of a tragedy... #JonathanHaidt

...we all believe in karma, the Hindu notion that people reap what they sow. The psychologist Mel Lerner has demonstrated that we are so motivated to believe that people get what they deserve and deserve what they get that we often blame the victim of a tragedy... #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 27, 2025

When another blames you or hates you, or people voice similar criticisms, go to their souls, penetrate inside and see what sort of people they are. You will realize that there is no need to be racked with anxiety that they should hold any particular opinion about you. #Aurelius

When another blames you or hates you, or people voice similar criticisms, go to their souls, penetrate inside and see what sort of people they are. You will realize that there is no need to be racked with anxiety that they should hold any particular opinion about you. #Aurelius — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 27, 2025

To reach the source, you have to swim against the current. Only trash swims downstream. #HarukiMurakami

To reach the source, you have to swim against the current. Only trash swims downstream. #HarukiMurakami — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 27, 2025

Don't confuse the urgent with the important. #PrestonNi

Don't confuse the urgent with the important. #PrestonNi — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 26, 2025

Responsiveness and throughput: how quickly you can respond to things, and how much you can get done overall. #BrianChristian

Responsiveness and throughput: how quickly you can respond to things, and how much you can get done overall. #BrianChristian — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 26, 2025

In Russia there is no reticence about expressing your negative criticism openly. For instance, if you are displeased with the service in a shop or restaurant you can tell the shop assistant or waiter exactly what you think of him, his relatives, his in-laws, his habits #ErinMeyer

In Russia there is no reticence about expressing your negative criticism openly. For instance, if you are displeased with the service in a shop or restaurant you can tell the shop assistant or waiter exactly what you think of him, his relatives, his in-laws, his habits #ErinMeyer — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 26, 2025

Yes, it's important not to get eaten by tigers. But consider that every creature alive today is the final link in an unbroken chain of ancestors who managed to reproduce. [...] From the perspective of evolution, mating, not survival, is the name of the game. #KevinSimler

Yes, it's important not to get eaten by tigers. But consider that every creature alive today is the final link in an unbroken chain of ancestors who managed to reproduce. [...] From the perspective of evolution, mating, not survival, is the name of the game. #KevinSimler — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 26, 2025

...we are bound to discover some things about ourselves that we don't like. But once we see they're there, we can decide what we want to do with them. Do we want to get rid of them completely, change them into other things, or use them in beneficial ways? #BenjaminHoff

...we are bound to discover some things about ourselves that we don't like. But once we see they're there, we can decide what we want to do with them. Do we want to get rid of them completely, change them into other things, or use them in beneficial ways? #BenjaminHoff — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 26, 2025

Anyone can work hard when they feel motivated. It's the ability to keep going when work isn't exciting that makes the difference. #JamesClear

Anyone can work hard when they feel motivated. It's the ability to keep going when work isn't exciting that makes the difference. #JamesClear — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 26, 2025

In fact, what are generosity, mercy, and humanity, if not pity applied to the weak, to the guilty, or to the human species in general. #JeanJacquesRousseau

In fact, what are generosity, mercy, and humanity, if not pity applied to the weak, to the guilty, or to the human species in general. #JeanJacquesRousseau — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 25, 2025

America confronted no power in need of being balanced, it could hardly have occupied itself with the challenges of equilibrium even if its leaders had been seized by the bizarre notion of replicating European conditions amidst a people who had turned their backs #HenryKissinger

America confronted no power in need of being balanced, it could hardly have occupied itself with the challenges of equilibrium even if its leaders had been seized by the bizarre notion of replicating European conditions amidst a people who had turned their backs #HenryKissinger — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 25, 2025

Commitment is a promise made from love. A commitment is making a promise to something without expecting a return--out of sheer lovingness. #DavidBrooks

Commitment is a promise made from love. A commitment is making a promise to something without expecting a return--out of sheer lovingness. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 25, 2025

Societies that exclude the exoskeleton of religion should reflect carefully to what will happen to them over several generations. We don't really know, because the first atheistic societies have only emerged in Europe in the last few decades. #JonathanHaidt

Societies that exclude the exoskeleton of religion should reflect carefully to what will happen to them over several generations. We don't really know, because the first atheistic societies have only emerged in Europe in the last few decades. #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 25, 2025

It is the particularity of the project which determines the limitation of the power, but it is also what gives the project its content and permits it to be set up. #SimonedeBeauvoir

It is the particularity of the project which determines the limitation of the power, but it is also what gives the project its content and permits it to be set up. #SimonedeBeauvoir — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 25, 2025

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. #GeorgeSantayana

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. #GeorgeSantayana — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 25, 2025

Survival in that [foraging] era required superb mental abilities from everyone. When agriculture and industry came along people could increasingly rely on the skills of others for survival, and new 'niches for imbeciles' were opened up. #YuvalNoahHarari

Survival in that [foraging] era required superb mental abilities from everyone. When agriculture and industry came along people could increasingly rely on the skills of others for survival, and new 'niches for imbeciles' were opened up. #YuvalNoahHarari — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 24, 2025

[75 percent of US child television programs] the hero either kills people or beats them up. This violence typically constitutes the climax of the show. Viewers, having been taught that bad guys deserve to be punished, take pleasure in watching this violence. #MarshallRosenberg

[75 percent of US child television programs] the hero either kills people or beats them up. This violence typically constitutes the climax of the show. Viewers, having been taught that bad guys deserve to be punished, take pleasure in watching this violence. #MarshallRosenberg — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 24, 2025

Humans are the only creatures on Earth whose young are utterly helpless for years, and heavily dependent on adult care for more than a decade. Given the enormous burden that is the human child, women can't do it on their own. #JonathanHaidt

Humans are the only creatures on Earth whose young are utterly helpless for years, and heavily dependent on adult care for more than a decade. Given the enormous burden that is the human child, women can't do it on their own. #JonathanHaidt — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 24, 2025

With outcome-based habits, the focus is on what you want to achieve. With identity-based habits, the focus is on who you wish to become. #JamesClear

With outcome-based habits, the focus is on what you want to achieve. With identity-based habits, the focus is on who you wish to become. #JamesClear — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 24, 2025

If we haven't travelled, if we don't yet know what we want, if we have a hard time staying with anyone for a while or remaining friendly with them when we part [...] then we might consider whether--in fairness to everyone involved--this is really for us. #TheSchoolOfLife

If we haven't travelled, if we don't yet know what we want, if we have a hard time staying with anyone for a while or remaining friendly with them when we part [...] then we might consider whether--in fairness to everyone involved--this is really for us. #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 23, 2025

We can never properly be secure, because so long as we are alive, we will be alert to danger and in some way at risk. The only people with full security are the dead; the only people who can be truly at peace are under the ground #TheSchoolOfLife

We can never properly be secure, because so long as we are alive, we will be alert to danger and in some way at risk. The only people with full security are the dead; the only people who can be truly at peace are under the ground #TheSchoolOfLife — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 23, 2025

But we are morally inarticulate. We're not more selfish or venal than people in other times, but we've lost the understanding of how character is built. #DavidBrooks

But we are morally inarticulate. We're not more selfish or venal than people in other times, but we've lost the understanding of how character is built. #DavidBrooks — English Quotes (@english_quotes) Nov 23, 2025

Studies suggest that this process of experimentation--and failure--is critical in long-term habit change. Smokers often quit and then start smoking again as many as seven times before giving up cigarettes for good. [Those relapses are not failures but experiments.] #CharlesDuhigg