In a vain man, the smallest spark may kindle into the greatest flame, because the materials are always prepared for it.

Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them.

Nothing is demonstrable, unless the contrary implies a contradiction. Nothing, that is distinctly conceivable, implies a contradiction. Whatever we conceive as existent, we can also conceive as non-existent. There is no being, therefore, whose non-existence implies a contradiction. Consequently there is no being, whose existence is demonstrable.

The corruption of the best things gives rise to the worst.

Nothing is more dangerous to reason than the flights of the imagination and nothing has been the occasion of more mistakes among philosophers.

For the purposes of life and conduct, and society, a little good sense is surely better than all this genius, and a little good humour than this extreme sensibility.

A propensity to hope and joy is real riches; one to fear and sorrow real poverty.