We have so exalted a notion of the human soul that we cannot bear to be despised, or even not to be esteemed by it. Man, in fact, places all his happiness in this esteem.

It is not good to be too free. It is not good to have all one wants.

It is dangerous to explain too clearly to man how like he is to the animals without pointing out his greatness. It is also dangerous to make too much of his greatness without his vileness. It is still more dangerous to leave him in ignorance of both, but it is most valuable to represent both to him. Man must not be allowed to believe that he is equal either to animals or to angels, nor to be unaware of either, but he must know both.

A mere trifle consoles us, for a mere trifle distresses us.

To ridicule philosophy is really to philosophize.

The gospel to me is simply irresistible.

True eloquence makes light of eloquence. True morality makes light of morality.