We are so presumptuous that we wish to be known to all the world, even to those who come after us; and we are so vain that the esteem of five or six persons immediately around us is enough to amuse and satisfy us.

Since we cannot know all that there is to be known about anything, we ought to know a little about everything.

Faith embraces many truths which seem to contradict each other.

If a soldier or labourer complain of the hardship of his lot, set him to do nothing.

Instead of complaining that God had hidden himself, you will give Him thanks for having revealed so much of Himself.

The Stoics say, "Retire within yourselves; it is there you will find your rest." And that is not true. Others say, "Go out of yourselves; seek happiness in amusement." And this is not true. Illness comes. Happiness is neither without us nor within us. It is in God, both without us and within us.

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