Quotes from Francis Macdonald Cornford

Every public action which is not customary, either is wrong, or, if it is right, is a dangerous precedent. It follows that nothing should ever be done for the first time.

There is only one argument for doing something; the rest are arguments for doing nothing

Cynicism is the besetting and venial fault of declining youth, and disillusionment its last illusion.

The political motive in the academic breast is honest enough. It is fear---genuine, perpetual, heart-felt timorousness. All the Political Arguments are addressed to this passion. Have you ever noticed how people say, 'I'm afraid I don't ...' when they mean, 'I think I don't ...'?