The origin of all science is in the desire to know causes; and the origin of all false science and imposture is in the desire to accept false causes rather than none; or, which is the same thing, in the unwillingness to acknowledge our own ignorance.

More from Burke and the Edinburgh phrenologists. The Atlas (15 Feb 1829)

• All that is worth remembering in life, is the poetry of it.
• Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own.
• Do not keep on with a mockery of friendship after the substance is gone — but part, while you can part friends. Bury the carcass of friendship: it is not worth embalming.
• Grace has been defined the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul.
• Grace is the absence of every thing that indicates pain or difficulty, or hesitation or incongruity.
• Great thoughts reduced to practice become great acts.