If a man is in too big a hurry to give up an error he is liable to give up some truth with it, and in accepting the argument of the other man he is sure to get some error with it. After I get hold of a truth I hate to lose it again,

The world always makes the assumption that the exposure of an error is identical with the discovery of the truth – that error and truth are simply opposite. They are nothing of the sort. What the world turns to, when it is cured of one error, is usually simply another error, and maybe one worse

Man is made for error; it enters his mind naturally, and he discovers a few truths only with the greatest effort.

An old error is always more popular than a new truth.

Much of truth is found upon the battlefield of controversy, and it is kept alive by sharp exchanges.

An exaggeration is a truth that has lost its temper.

You never find yourself until you face the truth.

I have discovered the art of deceiving diplomats. I speak the truth, and they never believe me.

Get but the truth once uttered, and ’tis like A star new-born that drops into its place And which, once circling in its placid round, Not all the tumult of the earth can shake.

An eager pursuit of fortune is inconsistent with a severe devotion to truth. The heart must grow tranquil before the thought can become searching.