“What each generation forgets is that while the words which it uses to describe ideas are always changing, the ideas themselves do not change so quickly.”

Distinguishing changes in vocabulary from deeper continuities in human thought. · Speech, The Uses of Reading, 1912

• History
• Ideas
• Language

“You will find that you have no weapon in your armoury with which you can attack him; no argument with which you can appeal to him.”

Describing the unusual strength of someone who cannot be controlled through material incentives. · Speech, Values in Life, 1907

• Character
• Independence
• Power

“We make very little use of them. That again is quite natural.”

A gently resigned observation about humanity's tendency to neglect available wisdom. · Speech, The Uses of Reading, 1912

• Humanity
• Reading
• Wisdom