“We need sometimes to escape into open solitudes, into aimlessness, into the moral holiday of running some pure hazard in order to sharpen the edge of life, to taste hardship, and to be compelled to work desperately for a moment at no matter what.”

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.