Men believe themselves to be free, simply because they are conscious of their actions, and unconscious of the causes whereby those actions are determined.

Nothing comes to pass in nature, which can be set down to a flaw therein; for nature is always the same, and everywhere one and the same in her efficacy and power of action: that is, nature's laws and ordinances, whereby all things come to pass and change from one form to another, are everywhere and always the same; so that there should be one and the same method of understanding the nature of all things whatsoever, namely, through nature's universal laws and rules.

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

Desire is the essence of a man.

Peace is not the absence of war, but a virtue based on strength of character.

Academies that are founded at public expense are instituted not so much to cultivate men's natural abilities as to restrain them.

Those who are believed to be most abject and humble are usually most ambitious and envious.