Nothing is surer than that the people will be weak.

Men despise religion. They hate it and are afraid it may be true.

Do they think that they have given us great pleasure by telling us that they hold our soul to be no more than wind or smoke, and saying it moreover in tones of pride and satisfaction? Is this then something to be said gaily? Is it not on the contrary something to be said sadly, as being the saddest thing in the world?

Love has no age as it is always renewing itself.

It is of dangerous consequence to represent to man how near he is to the level of beasts, without showing him at the same time his greatness. It is likewise dangerous to let him see his greatness without his meanness. It is more dangerous yet to leave him ignorant of either; but very beneficial that he should be made sensible of both.

Thought makes the whole dignity of man; therefore endeavor to think well, that is the only morality.

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