Those who are clever in imagination are far more pleased with themselves than prudent men could reasonably be.

It is certain that those who have the living faith in their hearts see at once that all existence is none other than the work of the God whom they adore. But for those in whom this light is extinguished, [if we were to show them our proofs of the existence of God] nothing is more calculated to arouse their contempt. . . .

We never do evil so effectually as when we are led to do it by a false principle of conscience.

The multitude which does not reduce itself to unity is confusion.

Cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter, and wrathful words make them wrathful. Kind words also produce their own image on men's souls; and a beautiful image it is. They smooth, and quiet, and comfort the hearer.

Curiosity is only vanity. Most frequently we wish not to know, but to talk. We would not take a sea voyage for the sole pleasure of seeing without hope of ever telling.

If man made himself the first object of study, he would see how incapable he is of going further. How can a part know the whole?