One has followed the other in an endless circle, for it is certain that as man's insight increases so he finds both wretchedness and greatness within himself. In a word man knows he is wretched. Thus he is wretched because he is so, but he is truly great because he knows it.

When we see an effect happen always in the same manner, we infer that it takes place by a natural necessity; as, for instance, that the sun will rise to morrow; but nature often deceives us, and will not submit to its own rules.

Mankind suffers from two excesses: to exclude reason, and to live by nothing but reason.

There is enough light for those who only desire to see, and enough obscurity for those who have a contrary disposition

He who does not know his way to the sea should take a river for his guide.

The last thing we decide in writing a book is what to put first.

We make an idol of truth itself; for truth apart from charity is not God, but His image and idol, which we must neither love nor worship.