Montaigne is wrong in declaring that custom ought to be followed simply because it is custom, and not because it is reasonable or just.

Kind words produce their images on men's souls.

If ignorance were bliss, he'd be a blister

All our dignity lies in our thoughts.

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

We have so exalted a notion of the human soul that we cannot bear to be despised, or even not to be esteemed by it. Man, in fact, places all his happiness in this esteem.

No man ever believes with a true and saving faith unless God inclines his heart; and no man when God does incline his heart can refrain from believing.