If there is a God, He is infinitely incomprehensible, since, having, neither parts nor limits, He has no affinity to us. We are then incapable of knowing either what He is or if He is. [So] you must wager. Let us weigh the gain and the loss in wagering that God is. Let us estimate these two chances. If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager then without hesitation that he is.

Let a man choose what condition he will, and let him accumulate around him all the goods and gratifications seemingly calculated to make him happy in it; if that man is left at any time without occupation or amusement, and reflects on what he is, the meagre, languid felicity of his present lot will not bear him up. He will turn necessarily to gloomy anticipations of the future; and unless his occupation calls him out of himself, he is inevitably wretched.

Even those who write against fame wish for the fame of having written well, and those who read their works desire the fame of having read them.

Those are weaklings who know the truth and uphold it as long as it suits their purpose, and then abandon it.

Justice and truth are two such subtle points, that our tools are too blunt to touch them accurately.

All the good maxims which are in the world fail when applied to one's self.

Discourses on humility are a source of pride in the vain and of humility in the humble.