Empirical interest will be in the facts so far as they are relevant to the solution of these problems.

If there are four equations and only three variables, and no one of the equations is derivable from the others by algebraic manipulation then there is another variable missing.

Theory not only formulates what we know but also tells us what we want to know, that is, the questions to which an answer is needed.

If capitalism begins as the practical idealism of the aspiring bourgeoisie, it ends ... as an orgy of materialism.

Sociology should... be thought of as a science of action-of the ultimate common value element in its relations to the other elements of action.

Spencers god was Evolution, sometimes also called Progress.

If observed facts of undoubted accuracy will not fit any of the alternatives it leaves open, the system itself is in need of reconstruction.

But the fact a person denies that he is theorising is no reason for taking him at his word and failing to investigate what implicit theory is involved in his statements.

A gloss is a total system of perception and language.

The part an actor played on stage was once written on a separate roll of paper.

The importance of certain problems concerning the facts will be inherent in the structure of the system.

The one thing no one can ever take from you is your education…

There are only two kinds of math books: Those you cannot read beyond the first sentence, and those you cannot read beyond the first page.

It's fun to be loose. Just like on stage, all of your great ideas come from looseness.

Custom is a mutable thing; yet we readily recognize the permanence of certain social values. Graciousness and courtesy are never old-fashioned.

The only thing high-definition television will do is provide sharper images of the garbage.

I measured love by the extent of my jealousy.

The Constitution guarantees us our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That's all. It doesn't guarantee our rights to charity.

There are certain people I trust no matter what. Even when it seems like they've turned into monsters, you need to stay true to them. Because, in the end, they'll be the ones backing you up.

More young people believe they'll see a U.F.O. than that they'll see their own Social Security benefits.

[Hillary Clinton] was going to have a very difficult pathway going forward anyway.