Bernard Williams quotes

Born
21 September 1929, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, England.

Died
10 June 2003.

Occupation
Philosopher.

Bernard Williams was a British philosopher known for his contributions to ethics and political philosophy. He is considered one of the most important figures in contemporary ethics and political philosophy and is particularly known for his critiques of consequentialism and his development of the idea of moral luck.

An extravagance is something that your spirit thinks is a necessity.
– Bernard Williams

There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope.
– Bernard Williams

The majority of philosophers are totally humorless. That’s part of their trouble.
– Bernard Williams

A half-truth is usually less than half of that.
– Bernard Williams

Women have a favorite room, men a favorite chair.
– Bernard Williams

We may pass violets looking for roses. We may pass contentment looking for victory.
– Bernard Williams

What a strange world this would be if we all had the same sense of humor.
– Bernard Williams

Books had instant replay long before televised sports.
– Bernard Williams

This is the end of the day, but soon there will be a new day.
– Bernard Williams

If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.
– Bernard Williams

A half-truth is usually less than half of that.
– Bernard Williams

We grow a little every time we do not take advantage of somebody’s weakness.
– Bernard Williams

The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring.
– Bernard Williams

A friend is a lot of things, but a critic isn’t.
– Bernard Williams

‘Humanity’ is a name not merely for a species but also for a quality.
– Bernard Williams

Talent is a flame. Genius is a fire.
– Bernard Williams

I like the word ‘indolence’. It makes my laziness seem classy.
– Bernard Williams

Few things move as quietly as the future.
– Bernard Williams

Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.
– Bernard Williams

We grow a little every time we do not take advantage of somebody’s weakness.
– Bernard Williams

It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream.
– Bernard Williams

Sooner or later we all quote our mothers.
– Bernard Williams

Few things are as democratic as a snowstorm.
– Bernard Williams