None are more taken in by flattery than the proud, who wish to be the first and are not.

He who has a true idea, knows at that same time that he has a true idea, nor can he doubt concerning the truth of the thing.

A man is as much affected pleasurably or painfully by the image of a thing past or future as by the image of a thing present.

I shall consider human actions and desires in exactly the same manner, as though I were concerned with lines, planes and solids.

Nature is satisfied with little; and if she is, I am also.

Nature has no goal in view, and final causes are only human imaginings.

The supreme mystery of despotism, its prop and stay, is to keep men in a state of deception, and with the specious title of religion to cloak the fear by which they must be held in check, so that they will fight for their servitude as if for salvation.