This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.
Samuel Johnson, aka Doctor Johnson
Cautious age suspects the flattering form, and only credits what experience tells.
Samuel Johnson, aka Doctor Johnson
Every other author may aspire to praise; the lexicographer can only hope to escape reproach.
Samuel Johnson, aka Doctor Johnson
Why, Sir, most schemes of political improvement are very laughable things.
Wishes |
Sigmund Freud, born Sigismund Schlomo Freud
In so doing, the idea forces itself upon him that religion is comparable to a childhood neurosis, and he is optimistic enough to suppose that mankind will surmount this neurotic phase, just as so many children grow out of their similar neurosis.
Death | Devil | Mankind | Men | Nothing | People | Power | Wishes |
Sigmund Freud, born Sigismund Schlomo Freud
If the truth of religious doctrines is dependent on an inner experience that bears witness to the truth, what is one to make of the many people who do not have that experience?
Sigmund Freud, born Sigismund Schlomo Freud
The first human being who hurled an insult instead of a stone was the founder of civilization.
Aggression | Instinct | Life | Life | Question | Will | Wishes | Value |
Sigmund Freud, born Sigismund Schlomo Freud
We must reckon with the possibility that something in the nature of the sexual instinct itself is unfavorable to the realization of complete satisfaction.
Character | Circumstances | Happy | Wishes |
Debate is an art form. It is about the winning of arguments. It is not about the discovery of truth. There are certain rules and procedures to debate that really have nothing to do with establishing fact—which creationists have mastered. Some of those rules are: never say anything positive about your own position because it can be attacked, but chip away at what appear to be the weaknesses in your opponent's position. They are good at that. I don't think I could beat the creationists at debate. I can tie them. But in courtrooms they are terrible, because in courtrooms you cannot give speeches. In a courtroom you have to answer direct questions about the positive status of your belief. We destroyed them in Arkansas. On the second day of the two-week trial we had our victory party!
Stephane Mallarme, born Étienne Mallarmé
Exiled spirits, red as the spotless toe of a seraph spread with scarlet by the shame of rumpled dawns.
That which acts for an end unknown to itself, depends upon some overruling wisdom that knows that end. Who should direct them in all those ends, but He that bestowed a being upon them for those ends; who knows what is convenient for their life, security, and propagation of their natures? An exact knowledge is necessary both of what is agreeable to them, and the means whereby they must attain it, which, since it is not inherent in them, is in that wise God who puts those instincts into them, and governs them in the exercise of them to such ends.
Doctrine | Fear | God | Hell | Joy | Nothing | Order | Present | Security | Vengeance | Wishes | God | Afraid | Guilty |
Money, which is of very uncertain value, and sometimes has no value at all and even less.
Wishes |
And at home by the fire, whenever you look up there I shall be— and whenever I look up, there will be you.
Government as well as religion has furnished its schisms, its persecutions and its devices for fattening idleness on the earnings of the people.
The Christian priesthood, finding the doctrines of Christ leveled to every understanding, and too plain to need explanation, saw in the mysticism of Plato, materials with which they might build up an artificial system, which might, from its indistinctness, admit everlasting controversy, give employment for their order, and introduce it to profit, power and pre-eminence. The doctrines which flowed from the lips of Jesus himself are within the comprehension of a child ; but thousands of volumes have not yet explained the Platonisms engrafted on them; and for this obvious reason, that nonsense can never be explained.