Passion cannot be beautiful without excess; one either loves too much or not enough.

Description of man: dependence, longing for independence, need.

To go beyond the bounds of moderation is to outrage humanity. The greatness of the human soul is shown by knowing how to keep within proper bounds. There are two equally dangerous extremes- to shut reason out, and not to let nothing in.

We know then the existence and nature of the finite, because we also are finite and have extension. We know the existence of the infinite and are ignorant of its nature, because it has extension like us, but not limits like us. But we know neither the existence nor the nature of God, because he has neither extension nor limits.

Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.

Seeing too much to deny and too little to be sure, I am in a state to be pitied.

Custom determines what is agreeable.