Top 25 quotes by Herbert Spencer

Famous quotes about society, liberalism and ethics.

Herbert Spencer (England, 1820 - 1903) is one of the most studied psychologists of the 19th century. His work also includes writings in the fields of philosophy, anthropology and sociology.

Spencer is especially remembered for being the author of the expression "survival of the fittest".a phrase he uttered after studying Charles Darwin's work in depth. He was also one of the authors who developed his thinking around Lamarck's theory.

Famous quotes and quotations by Herbert Spencer

In today's article we wanted to compile the best phrases of Herbert Spencer. Through his famous quotes we can approach his thought and know firsthand some of his most valuable reflections.

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1. Education has for its object the formation of character.

A somewhat innovative vision of the purpose of education.

2. If men use their freedom in such a way as to renounce it, can they therefore be considered less slaves? If the people elect by plebiscite a despot to govern them, are they still free because the despotism has been their own work?

A philosophical reflection that is still a subject of study today.

3. The function of liberalism in the past was to place a limit on the powers of kings. The function of true liberalism in the future will be to place a limit on the power of parliaments.

A heterodox view of this political and economic system.

4. To the clear head, quick imagination and sensitive ear, he lets pass all unnecessary rhetorical precepts.

Good philosophers do not lose themselves in aesthetic martingales.

5. Society exists for the benefit of its members, not the members for the benefit of society.

An individualistic view of the ultimate purpose of living in community.

6. Civilization is progress from an undefined and incoherent homogeneity to a defined and coherent heterogeneity.

Respect for ethnic and cultural minorities would be the proof that a civilization has achieved one of its priority objectives.

7. The universal basis of cooperation is to receive reciprocal benefits.

If in a team only one of the members wins, the principle of reciprocity is not being fulfilled.

8. To limit the freedom of each one to the freedom of the other, excludes from performing improper actions, but does not exclude other more inadequate ones.

A sentence by Herbert Spencer on individual and collective freedom.

9. The anarchist denies the right of any government - be it autocratic or democratic - to interfere with his individual liberty.

One of the anarchist principles, in Spencer's words.

10. Old forms of government grow so oppressive that they must be eliminated, even at the risk of reigning terror.

Another phrase that attests to his predilection for a liberal form of government.

11. Genius survives; everything else dies.

The mentality of genius makes the difference.

12. Time: what men always try to kill, but ends up killing them.

The eternal struggle. Need more famous quotes about time?

13. All socialism implies slavery.

His reflection on this political system based on the power of the State.

14. There is a principle that resists all information, that resists all investigation, that never fails to keep man in perennial ignorance..... It is the principle of dismissing what has not been investigated.

Scientists often suffer from this tendency not to value what has not yet been studied in depth.

15. Remain calm in discussions, because passion can turn error into fault, and truth into discourtesy.

A life advice from the most diplomatic Herbert Spencer.

16. Every man is free to do what he will, provided he does not infringe upon the liberty of any other man.

The golden rule of liberalism.

17. Philosophy is the unification of thought.

A famous quote by Herbert Spencer.

18. It is taken for granted that the citizen agreed to everything his representative may do when he voted for him.

One of the problems of representative democracy: the lack of accountability.

19. Morality knows nothing of geographical boundaries or distinctions of race.

Ethical principles are unshakable and know no circumstances or extenuating circumstances.

20. The cult of heroism is stronger where there is less freedom of conscience.

The more ignorant a people are, the more they tend to exalt specific individuals and to grant them high levels of power over their lives and destiny.

21. Architecture, sculpture, painting, music and poetry can be called the efflorescence of civilized life.

To transcend common life, that is the mission of the various artistic disciplines.

22. No one can be perfectly free until everyone is free, no one can be perfectly moral until everyone is moral, no one can be perfectly happy until everyone is happy.

In an ideal society we can all aspire to share ethical ideals.

23. Progress is not an accident, but a necessity.

It is essential for individuals in every society to feel that their efforts are bearing fruit.

24. The great goal of education is not knowledge, but action.

Knowledge must drive action and the optimization of civilization.

25. Train yourself instead of waiting to be trained and modeled.

In this phrase, Herbert Spencer exhorts us to seek our own path.