Nothing in nature is by chance... Something appears to be chance only because of our lack of knowledge.

He who seeks equality between unequals seeks an absurdity.

The things which ... are esteemed as the greatest good of all ... can be reduced to these three headings, to wit : Riches, Fame, and Pleasure. With these three the mind is so engrossed that it cannot scarcely think of any other good.

Philosophers conceive of the passions which harass us as vices into which men fall by their own fault, and, therefore, generally deride, bewail, or blame them, or execrate them, if they wish to seem unusually pious.

God is not He who is, but That which is.

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.

He who hates anyone will endeavor to do him an injury, unless he fears that a greater injury will thereby accrue to himself; on the other hand, he who loves anyone will, by the same law, seek to benefit him.