Death is like thunder in two particulars; we are alarmed, at the sound of it; and it is formidable only from that which preceded it.

Words indeed are but the signs and counters of knowledge, and their currency should be strictly regulated by the capital which they represent.

If martyrdom is now on the decline, it is not because martyrs are less zealous, but because martyr-mongers are more wise. The light of intellect has put out the fire of persecution, as other fires are observed to smoulder before the light of the same.

Dreams ought to produce no conviction whatever on philosophical minds. If we consider how many dreams are dreamt every night, and how many events occur every day, we shall no longer wonder at those accidental coincidences which ignorance mistakes for verifications.

Ignorance lies at the bottom of all human knowledge, and the deeper we penetrate, the nearer we arrive unto it.

The greatest genius is never so great as when it is chastised and subdued by the highest reason.

It is better to have wisdom without learning than learning without wisdom.