Society and the World

The only means of strengthening one’s intellect is to make up one’s mind about nothing—to let the mind be a thoroughfare for all thoughts. Not a select party.

To one who has been long in city pent,

Much have I travelled in the realms of gold,

Away! away! for I will fly to thee,

Do not all charms fly

Out of the crooked timber of humanity no straight thing can ever be made.

Out of the crooked timber of humanity no straight thing can ever be made.

So act as to treat humanity, whether in thine own person or in that of any other, in every case as an end withal, never as means only.

So act as to treat humanity, whether in thine own person or in that of any other, in every case as an end withal, never as means only.

There is an imperative which commands a certain conduct immediately, without having as its condition any other purpose to be attained by it. This imperative is Categorical … This imperative may be called that of Morality.

I am never to act otherwise than so that I could also will that my maxim should become a universal law.

I am never to act otherwise than so that I could also will that my maxim should become a universal law.

Nothing in the world—indeed nothing even beyond the world—can possibly be conceived which could be called good without qualification except a good will.

Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing wonder and awe, the more often and the more seriously reflection concentrates upon them: the starry heaven above me and the moral law within me.

It’s often better to be in chains than to be free.

Someone must have traduced Joseph K., for without having done anything wrong he was arrested one fine morning.

Travel light and you can sing in the robber’s face.

Sed quis custodiet ipsos Custodes?

Sed quis custodiet ipsos Custodes?

Honesty is praised and left to shiver.

It is a symbol of Irish art. The cracked lookingglass of a servant.

The only arms I allow myself to use, silence, exile, and cunning.

Ireland is the old sow that eats her farrow.

Poor Parnell! he cried loudly. My dead king!