.... we are a part of nature as a whole, whose order we follow.

The most tyrannical of governments are those which make crimes of opinions, for everyone has an inalienable right to his thoughts.

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.

In regard to intellect and true virtue, every nation is on a par with the rest, and God has not in these respects chosen one people rather than another.

The greatest good is the knowledge of the union which the mind has with the whole nature.

Superstition, then, is engendered, preserved, and fostered by fear.

Everything in nature is a cause from which there flows some effect.