To give aid to every poor man is far beyond the reach and power of every man. Care of the poor is incumbent on society as a whole.

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

Be not astonished at new ideas; for it is well known to you that a thing does not therefore cease to be true because it is not accepted by many.

[Believers] are but triflers who, when they cannot explain a thing, run back to the will of God; this is, truly, a ridiculous way of expressing ignorance.

Statesman are suspected of plotting against mankind, rather than consulting their interests, and are esteemed more crafty than learned.

The more you struggle to live, the less you live. Give up the notion that you must be sure of what you are doing. Instead, surrender to what is real within you, for that alone is sure....you are above everything distressing.

I can control my passions and emotions if I can understand their nature