Carl Schurz

“ I take it, also, that the end of science and of philosophy is not merely to enlighten the minds, but also ultimately to influence the conduct, of men, and not only the conduct of a few, but the conduct of the many. And to that end it should make itself understood by the many. The direct effect upon mankind will grow in strength and extent as science and philosophy are popularized in the best sense of the term, and thereby become more cosmopolitan. ”

“ That time is happily behind us, but I suppose some of us have seen the day when science and philosophy, at least by a good many of its representatives, were clothed in such darkness of formidable terminology, and of obscure forms of speech, that they were entirely inaccessible to the multitude; in fact, by many it was considered that the man of science might be accused of superficiality if he had discussed those problems of philosophic and scientific research in a language intelligible to the rest of mankind. ”

“ There was a time when the investigations of science and their results were kept in the possession of privileged orders or circles, and treated as profound mysteries which could not be exposed to the gaze and the understanding of the multitude without profanation and without endangering the fixed order of society. ”

“ Considering that I have a family to support, and various other duties to perform, which make a vigorous physical condition desirable, I shall, whatever others may do, in this respect try to take care of myself. (Laughter.) Do not understand me, however, as meaning to discourage any one of you, gentlemen. Everybody must be left to be the judge of his own conduct, upon his own responsibility. ”

“ Given a certain number of subjects of discussion between different Nations or different individuals, if the progress of science increases the number of things upon which they agree, it will in the same measure and at the same time diminish the number of things upon which they disagree [laughter] , and thus lead them to a good understanding and National harmony ”

“ Leaving the discussion of profound scientific and philosophical problems to others who are more reckless of their physical well-being, I prefer to call up some pleasant personal memories which this distinguished occasion brings to my mind. ”

“ Among us he has come in search of rest and recreation, and I trust it will be to him a cheering satisfaction to know that, far from being a stranger with us, he has even among this youngest and busiest and most nervous of peoples, multitudes of devoted pupils and admirers, of whom the friends here present are a respectful but only a feeble representation. ”

“ Spencer, that too great continuity and intensity of work will necessarily destroy your physical constitution; and I am very sorry to see that in this respect he himself appears more like an American than an Englishman. ”

“ And if that progress, as is likely to be the case, increases the number of subjects of discussion, and teaches us, at the same time, how to dispose of them by peaceful and amicable reasoning, it will, to that extent, prevent us from coming to blows. ”

“ Spencer's impressive advice in saying that, in my opinion, and according to general experience, any serious effort at profound philosophical thought or scientific inquiry, immediately after a good dinner, must be injurious to a man's health. ”