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 greatest crimes have been found, in many instances, to be compatible with a superstitious piety and devotion; hence it is justly regarded as unsafe to draw any inference in favor of a man's morals, from the fervor or strictness of his religious exercises, even though he himself believe them sincere.

To be a philosophical sceptic is, in a man of letters, the first and most essential to being a sound, believing Christian.

The life of man is of no greater importance to the universe than that of an oyster.

'Tis certain that a serious attention to the sciences and liberal arts softens and humanizes the temper, and cherishes those fine emotions in which true virtue and honor consist. It rarely, very rarely happens that a man of taste and learning is not, at least, an honest man, whatever frailties may attend him.

I do not have enough faith to believe there is no god.

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