All men seek happiness. There are no exceptions.... This is the motive of every act of every man, including those who go and hang themselves.

To go beyond the bounds of moderation is to outrage humanity. The greatness of the human soul is shown by knowing how to keep within proper bounds. There are two equally dangerous extremes- to shut reason out, and not to let nothing in.

All men have happiness as their object: there is no exception. However different the means they employ, they all aim at the same end.

No man ever believes with a true and saving faith unless God inclines his heart; and no man when God does incline his heart can refrain from believing.

Making fun of philosophy is really philosophising.

The consciousness of the falsity of present pleasures, and the ignorance of the vanity of absent pleasures, cause inconstancy.

The serene, silent beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world, next to the night of God.