“The more pleasure a universe can yield, other things being equal, the more beneficent and generous is its general nature; the more pains its constitution involves, the darker and more malign its total temper. To deny this would seem impossible, yet it is done daily; for there is nothing people will not maintain when they are slaves to superstition; and candor and a sense of justice are, in such a case, the first things lost.”

Spanish American philosopher, essayist, poet, and novelist

George Santayana was a Spanish American philosopher, essayist, poet, and novelist. Born in Spain, he moved to the United States at the age of eight. He is known for writing across philosophy and literature, with work that ranges from reflective essays to poetry and fiction. His life and writing bridge Spanish origins and an American career, and his 136 quotes on the site reflect the broad, thoughtful range of his voice.