“We can define a fact as an observation backed up by such a preponderance of evidence that no useful purpose would be served by doubting it.”

“The walking stick serves the purpose of an advertisement that the bearer's hands are employed otherwise than in useful effort, and it therefore has utility as an evidence of leisure.”

“Purpose of counter-intelligence action is to disrupt [Black Panther Party] and it is immaterial whether facts exist to substantiate the charge. If facts are present it aids in the success of the proposal but the Bureau feels … that disruption can be accomplished without facts to back it up.”

“We are observing ourselves being observed by the painter, and made visible to his eyes by the same light that enables us to see him. And just as we are about to apprehend ourselves, transcribed by his hand as though in a mirror, we find that we can in fact apprehend nothing of that mirror but its lusterless back. The other side of a psyche.”

“Despicable creatures, vultures: without a doubt the most disgusting birds ever. I suppose they served their purpose, but did they have to be so greasy and ugly? Couldn't we have cute fuzzy rabbits that cleaned up roadkill instead?”

“Goods can serve many other purposes besides purchasing money, but money can serve no other purpose besides purchasing goods.”

“Worry pretends to be necessary but serves no useful purpose”

“For literary purposes, the art of writing poetry can be simply defined as: A creative act using language as a medium refined to an art.”

“Theories were a dime a dozen. The partition that separated science and wishful thinking was evidence: observations and firm facts.”

“We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!”