It is a dangerous experiment to call in gratitude as an ally to love. Love is a debt which inclination always pays, obligation never.

It is of dangerous consequence to represent to man how near he is to the level of beasts, without showing him at the same time his greatness. It is likewise dangerous to let him see his greatness without his meanness. It is more dangerous yet to leave him ignorant of either; but very beneficial that he should be made sensible of both.

Those who do not hate their own selfishness and regard themselves as more important than the rest of the world are blind because the truth lies elsewhere

Unable to make what is just strong, we have made what is strong just.

What a vast difference there is between knowing God and loving Him.

If a man loves a woman for her beauty, does he love her? No; for the smallpox, which destroys her beauty without killing her, causes his love to cease. And if any one loves me for my judgment or my memory, does he really love me? No; for I can lose these qualities without ceasing to be.

Faith is a sounder guide than reason. Reason can only go so far, but faith has no limits.