Teach the ignorant as much as you can; society is culpable in not providing a free education for all and it must answer for the night which it produces. If the soul is left in darkness sins will be committed. The guilty one is not he who commits the sin, but he who causes the darkness.

When you fear something, learn as much about it as you can. Knowledge conquers fear.

To furnish the means of acquiring knowledge is the greatest benefit that can be conferred upon mankind. It prolongs life itself and enlarges the sphere of human existence.

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing. To allow that you do not know it—this is knowledge.

The knowledge and skills you have achieved are meant to be forgotten so you can float comfortably in emptiness, without obstruction.

There is nothing so absurd or ridiculous that has not at some time been said by some philosopher.

Cherish that which is within you, and shut off that which is without; for much knowledge is a curse.

A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country.

Knowledge rests not upon truth alone, but upon error also.

There is a class of colored people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs, and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Having learned that they are able to make a living out of their troubles, they have grown into the settled habit of advertising their wrongs — partly because they want sympathy and partly because it pays. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his grievances, because they do not want to lose their jobs.

The right to free speech is more important than the content of the speech.

Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent.

The problem of our age is the proper administration of wealth, so that the ties of brotherhood may still bond together the rich and poor in harmonious relationship.

When whole races and peoples conspire to propagate gigantic mute lies in the interest of tyrannies and shams, why should we care anything about the trifling lies told by individuals?

Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.

It is not reason which is the guide of life, but custom.