No one is discontented at not being a king except a discrowned king ... unhappiness almost invariably indicates the existence of a road not taken, a talent undeveloped, a self not recognized.

Discourses on humility are a source of pride in the vain and of humility in the humble. So those on scepticism cause believers to affirm. Few men speak humbly of humility, chastely of chastity, few doubtingly of scepticism.

Justice without force is powerless; force without justice is tyrannical.

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.

The truth about nature we discover with our brains. The truth about religion we discover with our hearts.

We implore the mercy of God, not that He may leave us at peace in our vices, but that He may deliver us from them.

Clarity of mind means clarity of passion, too.