In all matters of opinion and science ... the difference between men is ... oftener found to lie in generals than in particulars; and to be less in reality than in appearance. An explication of the terms commonly ends the controversy, and the disputants are surprised to find that they had been quarrelling, while at bottom they agreed in their judgement.

We make allowance for a certain degree of selfishness in men; because we know it to be inseparable from human nature, and inherent in our frame and constitution. By this reflexion we correct those sentiments of blame, which so naturally arise upon any opposition.

Moving from an objective statement of fact to a subjective statement of value does not work, because it leaves open questions that have not been answered.

[priests are] the pretenders to power and dominion, and to a superior sanctity of character, distinct from virtue and good morals.

It is... a just political maxim, that every man must be supposed a knave.

What a peculiar privilege has this little agitation of the brain which we call 'thought'.

All this creative power of the mind amounts to no more than the faculty of compounding, transposing, augmenting, or diminishing the materials afforded us the by senses and experience.