The supernatural does not exist.

Lightning seems a thought, which instead of being attached to a brain, is attached to an electric current.

Lightning is like an elementary spirit, eccentric or rational, clever or silly, passing from one extreme to the other.

There are men who would be afraid to commit themselves on the doctrine that castor oil is a laxative.

What, then, is this blue sky, which certainly does exist, and which veils from us the stars during the day?

If the existence of human beings leads to nothing, what is all this comedy about?

If humankind - from humble farmers in the fields and toiling workers in the cities to teachers, people of independent means, those who have reached the pinnacle of fame or fortune, even the most frivolous of society women - if they knew what profound inner pleasure awaits those who gaze at the heavens, then France, nay, the whole of Europe, would be covered with telescopes instead of bayonets, thereby promoting universal happiness and peace.