All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.

By a peculiar prerogative, not only each individual is making daily advances in the sciences, and may make advances in morality (which is the science, by way of eminence, of living well and being happy), but all mankind together is making a continual progress in proportion as the universe grows older. So that the whole human race, during the course of so many ages, may be considered as one man who never ceases to live and learn.

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

The majority is the best way, because it is visible, and has strength to make itself obeyed. Yet it is the opinion of the least able.

It is man's natural sickness to believe that he possesses the Truth.

It is natural for the mind to believe and for the will to love; so that, for want of true objects, they must attach themselves to false.

Law was once introduced without reason, and has become reasonable.