Boris Sidis

"The fact that psychology postulates an external material world and studies it in so far as it comes to be reflected in consciousness, points to another postulate which psychology must assume in additi…"

"Psychology is the science of psychic states both as to content and form, regarded from an objective standpoint, and brought in relation to the living corporeal individual."

"The man of genius whether as artist or thinker requires a mass of accidental variations to select from and a rigidly selective process of attention."

"Human institutions depend for their existence and stability on the impulse of self-preservation and its close associate, — the fear instinct."

"Superstitions, and especially the early cultivation of religion, with its “fear of the Lord” and of unknown mysterious agencies, are especially potent in the development of the instinct of fear. Even …"

"Not purpose but chance is at the heart of mental life."

"Self-preservation is the central aim of all life-activities."

"The tendency of life is not the preservation of the species, but solely the preservation of each individual organism, as long as it is in existence at all, and is able to carry on its life processes."