“If human nature were unchangeable, as ignorant people still suppose it to be, the situation would indeed be hopeless.”
Source: 1920s, Sceptical Essays (1928), Ch. 17: Some Prospects: Cheerful and Otherwise
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Bertrand Russell562
logician, one of the first analytic philosophers and politi… 1872–1970Related quotes
Napoleon I of France (1769–1821) French general, First Consul and later Emperor of the French
Napoleon : In His Own Words (1916)
Context: One must indeed be ignorant of the methods of genius to suppose that it allows itself to be cramped by forms. Forms are for mediocrity, and it is fortunate that mediocrity can act only according to routine. Ability takes its flight unhindered.
“Theology is now little more than a branch of human ignorance. Indeed, it is ignorance with wings.”
Sam Harris (1967) American author, philosopher and neuroscientist
2000s, The End of Faith (2004)
“When the situation is hopeless, there's nothing to worry about.”
Edward Abbey book The Monkey Wrench Gang
page 294
A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)
Variant: He recalled Dr. Sarvis' favorite apothegm: When the situation is hopeless, there's nothing to worry about.
Source: The Monkey Wrench Gang
“It is a pity that this faithful youth is sacrificed in a hopeless situation.”
Gerd von Rundstedt (1875–1953) German Field Marshal during World War II
Quoted in "The Second World War: A Complete History" - Page 585 - by Sir Martin Gilbert - History - 2004
Stephen Baxter book Evolution
Source: Evolution (2002), Chapter 16 “An Entangled Bank” section II (p. 525)
“… it is human nature, I suppose, to be futile and ridiculous.”
Rafael Sabatini book Scaramouche
Source: Scaramouche
Michelle Obama (1964) lawyer, writer, wife of Barack Obama and former First Lady of the United States
" Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community http://pt.scribd.com/doc/2305083/Princeton-Educated-Blacks-and-the-Black-Community", senior thesis, Princeton University (1985), p. 112 <br class="br">1980s
“That the situation is hopeless should not prevent us from doing our best.”
Aldo Leopold (1887–1948) American writer and scientist
letter to Bill Vogt, 21 January 1946, quoted in Curt Meine, Aldo Leopold: His Life and Work, p. 478.
1940s