When we would show any one that he is mistaken, our best course is to observe on what side he considers the subject,--for his view of if is generally right on this side,--and admit to him that he is right so far. He will be satisfied with this acknowledgment, that he was not wrong in his judgment, but only inadvertent in not looking at the whole case.

We know then the existence and nature of the finite, because we also are finite and have extension. We know the existence of the infinite and are ignorant of its nature, because it has extension like us, but not limits like us. But we know neither the existence nor the nature of God, because he has neither extension nor limits.

Men seek rest in a struggle against difficulties; and when they have conquered these, rest becomes insufferable.

People are generally better persuaded by the reasons which they have themselves discovered than by those which have come in to the mind of others.

Man's sensitivity to the little things and insensitivity to the greatest are the signs of a strange disorder.

Justice and truth are two such subtle points, that our tools are too blunt to touch them accurately.

How comes it that a cripple does not offend us, but a fool does? Because a cripple recognizes that we walk straight, whereas a fool declares that it is we who are silly; if it were not so, we should feel pity and not anger.