When all moves equally (says Pascal), nothing seems to move as in a vessel under sail; and when all run by common consent into vice, none appear to do so. He that stops first, views as from a fixed point the horrible extravagance that transports the rest.

Human foresight often leaves its proudest possessor only a choice of evils.

The upright, if he suffer calumny to move him, fears the tongue of man more than the eye of God.

When the frustration of my helplessness seemed greatest, I discovered God's grace was more than sufficient. And after my imprisonment, I could look back and see how God used my powerlessness for His purpose. What He has chosen for my most significant witness was not my triumphs or victories, but my defeat.

The three great apostles of practical atheism, that make converts without persecuting, and retain them without preaching, are wealth, health and power.

The seat of perfect contentment is in the head; for every individual is thoroughly satisfied with his own proportion of brains.

Accustom yourself to submit on all and every occasion, and on the most minute, no less than on the most important circumstances of life, to a small present evil, to obtain a greater distant good. This will give decision, tone, and energy to the mind, which, thus disciplined, will often reap victory from defeat and honor from repulse.