574 Quotes by George Santayana

"By nature's kindly disposition most questions which it is beyond a man's power to answer do not occur to him at all."

"Friends are generally of the same sex, for when men and women agree, it is only in the conclusions; their reasons are always different."

"In the contemplation of beauty we are raised above ourselves, the passions are silenced and we are happy in the recognition of a good that we do not seek to possess."

"Historical investigation has for its aim to fix the order and character of events throughout past time and in all places. The task is frankly superhuman."

"Reason and happiness are like other flowers; they wither when plucked."

"There is a kind of courtesy in skepticism. It would be an offense against polite conventions to press our doubts too far."

"The profoundest affinities are those most readily felt."

"In each person I catch the fleeting suggestion of something beautiful and swear eternal friendship with that."

"It is easier to make a saint out of a libertine than out of a prig."

"Animals are born and bred in litters. Solitude grows blessed and peaceful only in old age."