The most notorious swindler has not assumed so many names as self-love, nor is so much ashamed of his own. She calls herself patriotism, when at the same time she is rejoicing at just as much calamity to her native country as will introduce herself into power, and expel her rivals.

Mystery is not profoundness.

Two things, well considered, would prevent many quarrels: first, to have it well ascertained whether we are not disputing about terms, rather than things; and, secondly, to examine whether that on which we differ is worth contending about.

That cowardice is incorrigible which the love of power cannot overcome.

He that has energy enough to root out a vice should go further, and try to plant a virtue in its place.

Knowledge is two-fold, and consists not only in an affirmation of what is true, but in the negation of that which is false.

Pity a thing often avowed, seldom felt; hatred is a thing often felt, seldom avowed.