There are two types of mind . . . the mathematical, and what might be called the intuitive. The former arrives at its views slowly, but they are firm and rigid; the latter is endowed with greater flexibility and applies itself simultaneously to the diverse lovable parts of that which it loves.

Death itself is less painful when it comes upon us unawares than the bare contemplation of it, even when danger is far distant.

Having been unable to strengthen justice, we have justified strength.

If man made himself the first object of study, he would see how incapable he is of going further. How can a part know the whole?

The world is satisfied with words, few care to dive beneath the surface.

If we submit everything to reason our religion will be left with nothing mysterious or supernatural. If we offend the principles of reason our religion will be absurd and ridiculous . . . There are two equally dangerous extremes: to exclude reason, to admit nothing but reason.

Beauty is a harmonious relation between something in our nature and the quality of the object which delights us.