Making fun of philosophy is really philosophising.

The greatness of man is so evident that it is even proved by his wretchedness. For what in animals is nature, we call in man wretchedness--by which we recognize that, his nature being now like that of animals, he has fallen from a better nature which once was his.

There are two excesses: to exclude reason, to admit nothing but reason. The supreme achievement of reason is to realise that there is a limit to reason. Reason's last step is the recognition that there are an infinite number of things which are beyond it. It is merely feeble if it does not go as far as to realise that.

If I had more time I would write a shorter letter.

Atheism shows strength of mind, but only to a certain degree.

Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.

When we see a natural style, we are astonished and charmed; for we expected to see an author, and we find a person.