logic Quotes

That which is impossible and probable is better than that which is possible and improbable.

In a race, the quickest runner can never overtake the slowest, since the pursuer must first reach the point whence the pursued started, so that the slower must always hold a lead.

A statement is convincing and believable either because it's obviously true or because it seems proven by other statements that are true.

Not to know of what things one should demand demonstration, and of what one should not, argues want of education.

To say of what is that it is not, or of what is not that it is, is false, while to say of what is that it is, and of what is not that it is not, is true.

All proofs rest on premises.

...we are all inclined to ... direct our inquiry not by the matter itself, but by the views of our opponents; and, even when interrogating oneself, one pushes the inquiry only to the point at which one can no longer... ...

With respect to the requirement of art, the probable impossible is always preferable to the improbable possible.

Every rascal is not a thief, but every thief is a rascal.

We ought to be able to persuade on opposite sides of a question; as also we ought in the case of arguing by syllogism: not that we should practice both, for it is not right to persuade to what is... ...