The vast majority of human beings dislike and even actually dread all notions with which they are not familiar... Hence it comes about that at their first appearance innovators have generally been persecuted, and always derided as fools and madmen.

Consistency is contrary to nature, contrary to life. The only completely consistent people are dead.

Everyone who wants to do good to the human race always ends in universal bullying.

In life, man proposes, God disposes.

In a few years, no doubt, marriage licences will be sold like dog licences, good for 12 months.

Love is as necessary to human beings as food and shelter; [but] without intelligence, ... love is impotent and freedom unattainable.

Grace is always sufficient, provided we are ready to cooperate with it.