Commonplaces are the tramways ...

Commonplaces are the tramways of intellectual transportation.
Commonplaces are the tramways of intellectual transportation.
 Jose Ortega y Gasset

More phrases

If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.
What a distressing contrast there is between the radiant intelligence of the child and the feeble mentality of the average adult.
We are masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out.
I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.
A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.

Quotes from the same author

In order to master the unruly torrent of life the learned man meditates, the poet quivers, and the political hero erects the fortress of his will.
 Jose Ortega y Gasset
If the human intellect functions, it is actually in order to solve the problems which the man's inner destiny sets it.
 Jose Ortega y Gasset
Abasement, degradation is simply the manner of life of the man who has refused to be what it is his duty to be.
 Jose Ortega y Gasset
In these years we are witnessing the gigantic spectacle of innumerable human lives wandering about lost in their own labyrinths, through not having anything to which to give themselves.
 Jose Ortega y Gasset
We cannot put off living until we are ready. The most salient characteristic of life is its urgency, 'here and now' without any possible postponement. Life is fired at us point-blank.
 Jose Ortega y Gasset