Who confers reputation? who gives respect and veneration to persons, to books, to great men? Who but Opinion? How utterly insufficient are all the riches of the world without her approbation!

Nothing fortifies scepticism more than that there are some who are not sceptics; if all were so, they would be wrong.

If he exalts himself, I humble him. If he humbles himself, I exalt him. And I go on contradicting him Until he understands That he is a monster that passes all understanding.

One has followed the other in an endless circle, for it is certain that as man's insight increases so he finds both wretchedness and greatness within himself. In a word man knows he is wretched. Thus he is wretched because he is so, but he is truly great because he knows it.

Imagination decides everything.

He that takes truth for his guide, and duty for his end, may safely trust to God's providence to lead him aright.

All the good maxims which are in the world fail when applied to one's self.