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.

When some passion or effect is described in a natural style, we find within ourselves the truth of what we hear, without knowing it was there.

If it is an extraordinary blindness to live without investigating what we are, it is a terrible one to live an evil life, while believing in God

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

Those honor nature well, who teach that she can speak on everything...

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

We are so presumptuous that we wish to be known to all the world, even to those who come after us; and we are so vain that the esteem of five or six persons immediately around us is enough to amuse and satisfy us.