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.

All this visible world is but an imperceptible point in the ample bosom of nature.

Faith indeed tells what the senses do not tell, but not the contrary of what they see. It is above them and not contrary to them.

The sensitivity of men to small matters, and their indifference to great ones, indicates a strange inversion.

Man is but a reed, the most feeble thing in nature, but he is a thinking reed.

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.

Silence is the greatest persecution; never do the saints keep themselves silent.