Source: Odd Thomas (2003), Chapter 34; observation of Odd Thomas
Question period following Lecture 11 of Leonard Peikoff's series "The Philosophy of Objectivism," 1976
Session 75, Page 271
The Early Sessions: Sessions 1-42, 1997, The Early Sessions: Book 2
Source: The Politics of Experience (1967), Ch. 1 : Experience as evidence
Context: I cannot experience your experience. You cannot experience my experience. We are both invisible men. All men are invisible to one another. Experience used to be called The Soul. Experience as invisibility of man to man is at the same time more evident than anything. Only experience is evident. Experience is the only evidence. Psychology is the logos of experience. Psychology is the structure of the evidence, and hence psychology is the science of sciences.
Bombay, Second Public Talk (25 February 1962)
1960s
Context: The fact is there is nothing that you can trust; and that is a terrible fact, whether you like it or not. Psychologically, there is nothing in the world that you can put your faith, your trust, or your belief in. Neither your gods, nor your science can save you, can bring you psychological certainty; and you have to accept that you can trust in absolutely nothing. That is a scientific fact, as well as a psychological fact. Because, your leaders — religious and political — and your books — sacred and profane — have all failed, and you are still confused, in misery, in conflict. So, that is an absolute, undeniable fact.
“Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.”
Variant: Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
“Intrinsic (psychological) structure is rich... and diverse.”
Source: Quotes 1960s-1980s, 1980s, Rules and Representations (1980), p. 3 as cited in: Jerry Fodor (1983).
“Just because you can explain it doesn't mean it's not still a miracle.”
Small Gods
Variant: Just because you're an angel doesn't mean you have to be a fool.
