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

The less the mind understands and the more things it perceives, the greater its power of feigning is; and the more things it understands, the more that power is diminished.

. . . to know the order of nature, and regard the universe as orderly is the highest function of the mind.

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

The supreme mystery of despotism, its prop and stay, is to keep men in a state of deception, and with the specious title of religion to cloak the fear by which they must be held in check, so that they will fight for their servitude as if for salvation.

Schisms do not originate in a love of truth, which is a source of courtesy and gentleness, but rather in an inordinate desire for supremacy.

He who regulates everything by laws, is more likely to arouse vices than reform them.