Reality and perfection are synonymous.

Blessedness is not the reward of virtue but virtue itself.

The greatest secret of monarchic rule...is to keep men deceived and to cloak in the specious name of religion the fear by which they must be checked, so that they will fight for slavery as they would for salvation, and will think it not shameful, but a most honorable achievement, to give their life and blood that one man may have a ground for boasting.

Of all the things that are beyond my power, I value nothing more highly than to be allowed the honor of entering into bonds of friendship with people who sincerely love truth. For, of things beyond our power, I believe there is nothing in the world which we can love with tranquility except such men.

We can always get along better by reason and love of truth than by worry of conscience and remorse...we should strive to keep worry from our life.

If anyone conceives that he is loved by another, and believes that he has given no cause for such love, he will love that other in return.

The virtue of a free man appears equally great in refusing to face difficulties as in overcoming them.