It is usually the case with most men that their nature is so constituted that they pity those who fare badly and envy those who fare well.

If we love something similar to ourselves, we endeavor, as far as we can, to bring it about that it should love us in return.

The multitude always strains after rarities and exceptions, and thinks little of the gifts of nature; so that, when prophecy is talked of, ordinary knowledge is not supposed to be included. Nevertheless it has as much right as any other to be called Divine.

We are so constituted by Nature that we easily believe the things we hope for, but believe only with difficulty those we fear, and that we regard such things more or less highly than is just. This is the source of the superstitions by which men everywhere are troubled. For the rest, I don

Philosophy has no end in view save truth; faith looks for nothing but obedience and piety.

A miracle signifies nothing more than an event... the cause of which cannot be explained by another familiar instance, or.... which the narrator is unable to explain.

Desire is the essence of a man.