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

Chance gives rise to thoughts, and chance removes them; no art can keep or acquire them.

We do not content ourselves with the life we have in ourselves and in our being; we desire to live an imaginary life in the mind of others, and for this purpose we endeavor to shine. We labor unceasingly to adorn and preserve this imaginary existence and neglect the real.

I take it as a matter not to be disputed, that if all knew what each said of the other, there would not be four friends in the world. This seems proved by the quarrels and disputes caused by the disclosures which are occasionally made.

By space the universe encompasses and swallows me up like an atom; by thought I comprehend the world.

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.

Equality of possessions is no doubt right, but, as men could not make might obey right, they have made right obey might.