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.

If you believe in God you are at no disadvantage in this life, and at considerable advantage in the next. If you do not believe, but find in the next that there was a next, you are most unfortunate!

The Fall is an offense to human reason, but once accepted, it makes perfect sense of the human condition.

Habit is a second nature that destroys the first. But what is nature? Why is habit not natural? I am very much afraid that nature itself is only a first habit, just as habit is a second nature.

Everyone, without exception, is searching for happiness.

Law, without force, is impotent.

Desire and force between them are responsible for all our actions; desire causes our voluntary acts, force our involuntary.