The property of power is to protect.

Our own interests are still an exquisite means for dazzling our eyes agreeably.

Few friendships would survive if each one knew what his friend says of him behind his back.

Opinion is, as it were, the queen of the world, but force is its tyrant.

If we submit everything to reason our religion will be left with nothing mysterious or supernatural. If we offend the principles of reason our religion will be absurd and ridiculous . . . There are two equally dangerous extremes: to exclude reason, to admit nothing but reason.

To doubt is a misfortune, but to seek when in doubt is an indispensable duty. So he who doubts and seeks not is at once unfortunate and unfair.

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.