There is only one inborn error. and that is the notion that we exist in order to be happy.

To use many words to communicate few thoughts is everywhere the unmistakable sign of mediocrity. To gather much thought into few words stamps the man of genius.

Men best show their character in trifles, where they are not on their guard. It is in the simplest habits, that we often see the boundless egotism which pays no regard to the feelings of others and denies nothing to itself.

The majority of men... are not capable of thinking, but only of believing, and... are not accessible to reason, but only to authority.

I have described religion as the metaphysics of the people.

Something of great importance now past is inferior to something of little importance now present, in that the latter is a reality, and related to the former as something to nothing.

There is something in us that is wiser than our head.