All situations in which the interrelationships between extremes are involved are the most interesting and instructive.

Extreme good, extreme evil: the abilities required are similar.

Hence while in respect of its substance and the definition that states what it really is in essence virtue is the observance of the mean, in point of excellence and rightness it is an extreme.

The extremes of vice and virtue are alike detestable; absolute virtue is as sure to kill a man as absolute vice is, let alone the dullnesses of it and the pomposities of it.

The philosophical study of morality — of right and wrong — is ethics. Such study can render us more sophisticated in our choices. Even older and deeper than ethics, however, is religion. Religion concerns itself not with (mere) right and wrong but with good and evil themselves — with the archetypes of right and wrong.

Heterosexuality is far too interesting a phenomenon to be ignored.

I do not admire the excess of a virtue like courage unless I see at the same time an excess of the opposite virtue, as in Epaminondas, who possessed extreme courage and extreme kindness. Otherwise it is not rising to the heights but falling down. We show greatness, not by being at one extreme, but by touching both at once and occupying all the space in between.

There are times when the utmost daring is the height of wisdom.

Although the far territory of the extreme can exert an intoxicating pull on susceptible individuals of all bents, extremism seems to be especially prevalent among those inclined by temperament or upbringing toward religious pursuits. Faith is the very antithesis of reason, injudiciousness a crucial component of spiritual devotion. And when religious fanaticism supplants ratiocination, all bets are suddenly off.

The extreme of right is the extreme of wrong.

The noblest study of mankind is man, but the most fascinating study of womankind is another woman's wardrobe.

It seems to me that people of talent and of genius serve better than average examples for making us understand the laws of character, because they present more extreme traits.

Invite beliefs that are different from the ones you hold and try to see beyond your own filter. Purposely experiment past the boundaries of your taste. Examine approaches you may dismiss as too highbrow or lowbrow. What can we learn from these extremes? What are the unexpected surprises?

There are not many things finer in our murderous species than this noble curiosity, this restless and reckless passion to understand.