“Of course he despised the world as a whole; every thoughtful man should; it is almost a test of refinement.”

Founding Address (1876)
Context: The freedom of thought is a sacred right of every individual man, and diversity will continue to increase with the progress, refinement, and differentiation of the human intellect. But if difference be inevitable, nay, welcome in thought, there is a sphere in which unanimity and fellowship are above all things needful. Believe or disbelieve as ye list — we shall at all times respect every honest conviction. But be one with us where there is nothing to divide — in action. Diversity in the creed, unanimity in the deed! This is that practical religion from which none dissents. This is that platform broad enough and solid enough to receive the worshipper and the "infidel." This is that common ground where we may all grasp hands as brothers, united in mankind's common cause.

Ps. 30:19
Source: On the Mystical Body of Christ, p.425

"On Being Hard Up".
Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow (1886)

Section 10
Religio Medici (1643), Part II

Source: Books, Coningsby (1844), Lothair (1870), Ch. 30.

Source: A Few Words on Art (Just a Few) (2010), p. 2

Source: Studies in Nature and Literature

Heretics and Heresies (1874)
Context: Why should man be afraid to think, and why should he fear to express his thoughts?
Is it possible that an infinite Deity is unwilling that a man should investigate the phenomena by which he is surrounded? Is it possible that a god delights in threatening and terrifying men? What glory, what honor and renown a god must win on such a field! The ocean raving at a drop; a star envious of a candle; the sun jealous of a fire-fly.

42
Pythagorean Ethical Sentences