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.

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.

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 functions of the family in a highly differentiated society are not to be interpreted as functions directly on behalf of the society, but on behalf of personality.

I'm not necessarily that big of a clubbing junkie, but I really like dance music as a genre.

I don't know what I believe.

You can do reverse engineering, but you can’t do reverse hacking.

I've done a few studio films in the last few years where I feel like I've done good work, and then I only end up in two scenes. That's been very disappointing.

I'm not funny. People assume that because my books are funny, I'll be funny in real life. It's the inevitable disappointment of meeting me.

You always want to feel you're not the only one going through something unpleasant.

Some people believe that I will go nowhere, and maybe they're right, but maybe they're not.

Maybe one day we shall be glad to remember even these hardships.

We've used derivatives for many, many years. I don't think derivatives are evil, per se, I think they are dangerous.

The manager asks how and when; the leader asks what and why.