What a strange vanity painting is; it attracts admiration by resembling the original, we do not admire.

We do not worry about being respected in towns through which we pass. But if we are going to remain in one for a certain time, we do worry. How long does this time have to be?

To ridicule philosophy is really to philosophize.

Vanity is so anchored in the heart of man that a soldier, a soldier's servant, a cook, a porter brags and wishes to have his admirers. Even philosophers wish for them. Those who write against vanity want to have the glory of having written well; and those who read it desire the glory of having read it. I who write this have perhaps this desire, and perhaps those who will read it.

Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.

There are two equally dangerous extremes-to shut reason out, and to let nothing else in.

It is your own assent to yourself, and the constant voice of your own reason, and not of others, that should make you believe.