Seek simplicity, and distrust it. Alfred North Whitehead
We think in generalities, but we live in detail. Alfred North Whitehead
If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer. Alfred North Whitehead
The ‘silly’ question is the first intimation of some totally new development. Alfred North Whitehead
The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy. Alfred North Whitehead
Not ignorance, but ignorance of ignorance is the death of knowledge. Alfred North Whitehead
Without adventure civilization is in full decay. Alfred North Whitehead
Familiar things happen, and mankind does not bother about them. It requires a very unusual mind to undertake the analysis of the obvious. Alfred North Whitehead
There is a self-satisfied dogmatism with which mankind at each period of its history cherishes the delusion of the finality of existing modes of knowledge. Alfred North Whitehead
The race that does not value trained intelligence is doomed. Alfred North Whitehead
‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ is a silly proverb. ‘Necessity is the mother of futile dodges’ is much nearer the truth. Alfred North Whitehead
It is a safe rule to apply that, when a mathematical or philosophical author writes with a misty profundity, he is talking nonsense. Alfred North Whitehead
The only use of a knowledge of the past is to equip us for the present. The present contains all that there is. It is holy ground; for it is the past, and it is the future. Alfred North Whitehead
There is a self-satisfied dogmatism with which mankind at each period of its history cherishes the delusion of the finality of existing modes of knowledge. Alfred North Whitehead
Periods of tranquility are seldom prolific of creative achievement. Mankind has to be stirred up. Alfred North Whitehead