I have suffered a great deal from writers who have quoted this or that sentence of mine either out of its context or in juxtaposition to some incongruous matter which quite distorted my meaning, or destroyed it altogether.

Quote by Alfred North Whitehead

Topics: Alfred North Whitehead Quotes

Civilization advances by extending the number of important operations which we can perform without thinking...

Civilization advances by extending the number of important operations which we can perform without thinking...

In formal logic, a contradiction is the signal of defeat, but in the evolution of...

In formal logic, a contradiction is the signal of defeat, but in the evolution of...

Art is the imposing of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment is recognition...

Art is the imposing of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment is recognition...

But you can catch yourself entertaining habitually certain ideas and setting others aside; and that,...

But you can catch yourself entertaining habitually certain ideas and setting others aside; and that,...

It is in literature that the concrete outlook of humanity receives its expression.

It is in literature that the concrete outlook of humanity receives its expression.

Almost all new ideas have a certain aspect of foolishness when they are first produced.

Almost all new ideas have a certain aspect of foolishness when they are first produced.

A race preserves its vigor so long as it harbors a real contrast between what...

A race preserves its vigor so long as it harbors a real contrast between what...

Everything of importance has been said before by somebody who did not discover it.

Everything of importance has been said before by somebody who did not discover it.

Fundamental progress has to do with the reinterpretation of basic ideas.

Fundamental progress has to do with the reinterpretation of basic ideas.

Our minds are finite, and yet even in these circumstances of finitude we are surrounded...

Our minds are finite, and yet even in these circumstances of finitude we are surrounded...

Intelligence is quickness to apprehend as distinct form ability, which is capacity to act wisely...

Intelligence is quickness to apprehend as distinct form ability, which is capacity to act wisely...

When you're average, you're just as close to the bottom as you are the top.

When you're average, you're just as close to the bottom as you are the top.

The silly question is the first intimation of some totally new development.

The silly question is the first intimation of some totally new development.

If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you;...

If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you;...

I have always noticed that deeply and truly religious persons are fond of a joke,...

I have always noticed that deeply and truly religious persons are fond of a joke,...

One main factor in the upward trend of animal life has been the power of...

One main factor in the upward trend of animal life has been the power of...

The total absence of humor from the Bible is one of the most singular things...

The total absence of humor from the Bible is one of the most singular things...

Periods of tranquility are seldom prolific of creative achievement. Mankind has to be stirred up.

Periods of tranquility are seldom prolific of creative achievement. Mankind has to be stirred up.

Our minds are finite, and yet even in these circumstances of finitude we are surrounded...

Our minds are finite, and yet even in these circumstances of finitude we are surrounded...

The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid...

The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid...