Nothing can be more destructive to ambition, and the passion for conquest, than the true system of astronomy. What a poor thing is even the whole globe in comparison of the infinite extent of nature!

Our sun enlightens the planets that belong to him; why may not every fixed star also have planets to which they give light?

A man finds no sweeter voice in all the world than that which chants his praise.

It is high time for me to depart, for at my age I now begin to see things as they really are.

Hardly anyone knows how much is gained by ignoring the future.

I hate war, for it spoils conversation.

It is beauty that begins to please, and tenderness that completes the cbarm.