We strive to further the occurrence of whatever we imagine will lead to Joy, and to avert or destroy what we imagine is contrary to it, or will lead to Sadness.

He alone is free who lives with free consent under the entire guidance of reason.

In the state of nature, wrong-doing is impossible ; or, if anyone does wrong, it is to himself, not to another.

From what has been said we can clearly understand the nature of Love and Hate. Love is nothing else but pleasure accompanied by the idea of an external cause: Hate is nothing else but pain accompanied by the idea of an external cause. We further see, that he who loves necessarily endeavors to have, and to keep present to him, the object of his love; while he who hates endeavors to remove and destroy the object of his hatred.

Those who know the true use of money, and regulate the measure of wealth according to their needs, live contented with few things.

In practical life we are compelled to follow what is most probable ; in speculative thought we are compelled to follow truth.

Things which are accidentally the causes either of hope or fear are called good or evil omens.