People almost always do great things without knowing how to do them, and are quite surprised to have done them.

A work of morality, politics, criticism will be more elegant, other things being equal, if it is shaped by the hand of geometry.

I detest war; it ruins conversation

The judgment may be compared to a clock or watch, where the most ordinary machine is sufficient to tell the hours; but the most elaborate alone can point out the minutes and seconds, and distinguish the smallest differences of time.

The Art of Flying is but newly invented, twill improve by degrees, and in time grow perfect; then we may fly as far as the Moon.

If I had my hand full of truth, I would take good care how I opened it.

I hate war, for it spoils conversation.