“My desire for knowledge is intermittent, but my desire to bathe my head in atmospheres unknown to my feet is perennial and constant. The highest that we can attain to is not Knowledge, but Sympathy with Intelligence. I do not know that this higher knowledge amounts to anything more definite than a novel and grand surprise on a sudden revelation of the insufficiency of all that we called Knowledge before,—a discovery that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed of in our philosophy. It is the lighting up of the mist by the sun. Man cannot know in any higher sense than this, any more than he can look serenely and with impunity in the face of the sun: “You will not perceive that, as perceiving a particular thing,” say the Chaldean Oracles.”
― Civil Disobedience and Other Essays
― Civil Disobedience and Other Essays
“There is a sacred science, and for thousands of years countless inquisitive people have sought in vain to penetrate its “secrets.” It is as if they attempted to dig a hole in the sea with an ax. The tool must be of the same nature as the objective to be worked upon. Spirit is found only with spirit, and esoterism is the spiritual aspect of the world, inaccessible to cerebral intelligence. Those who profess to reveal the esoterism of such teachings are charlatans.”
― Esoterism and Symbol
― Esoterism and Symbol
“When natural inclination develops into a passionate desire, one advances towards his goal in seven-league boots.”
― My Inventions
― My Inventions
“Most persons are so absorbed in the contemplation of the outside world that they are wholly oblivious to what is passing on within themselves.”
― My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla
― My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla
Atheists and Skeptics
— 2216 members
— last activity Aug 16, 2025 12:20PM
This is a group meant for the discussion of atheism and skepticism and the books associated with both. Recommending books arguing for or against relig ...more
Megan’s 2024 Year in Books
Take a look at Megan’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
More friends…
Polls voted on by Megan
Lists liked by Megan








































