An infinite number of real parts of time, passing in succession, and exhausted one after another, appears so evident a contradiction, that no man, one should think, whose judgement is not corrupted, instead of being improved, by the sciences, would ever be able to admit of it.

It is not reason which is the guide of life, but custom.

Grief and disappointment give rise to anger, anger to envy, envy to malice, and malice to grief again, till the whole circle be completed.

And though the philosopher may live remote from business, the genius of philosophy, if carefully cultivated by several, must gradually diffuse itself throughout the whole society, and bestow a similar correctness on every art and calling.

The gazing populace receive greedily, without examination, whatever soothes superstition and promotes wonder.

Avarice, or the desire of gain, is a universal passion which operates at all times, at all places, and upon all persons.

A little philosophy makes a man an Atheist: a great deal converts him to religion