SPECULATIVE STUDIES
All speculative research ends in perplexing uncertainty.
I sought in the great sea of theoretical learning a bottom on which to stand—and found nothing but one wave dashing me against another.
After a lifetime of research and learning, I amassed nothing but such phrases as: "It is said," or "They say."
O erring reason, I am sick of thee! I take a single step and thou movest a whole mile away from me.
The object sought in abstruse study is either a truth which cannot be known, or a vain thing which it is useless to know.
THOUGHTS, DOUBTS
Most thoughts are wishes.
The thoughts of the wise are more trustworthy than the convictions of fools.