Superstition is an enemy to civil liberty.

Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.

Such is the nature of novelty that where anything pleases it becomes doubly agreeable if new; but if it displeases, it is doubly displeasing on that very account.

The advantages found in history seem to be of three kinds, as it amuses the fancy, as it improves the understanding, and as it strengthens virtue.

I know with certainty, that [an honest man] is not to put his hand into the fire, and hold it there, till it be consumed: And thisevent, I think I can foretell with the same assurance, as that, if he throw himself out at the window, and meet with no obstruction, he will not remain a moment suspended in the air.

Of all sciences there is none where first appearances are more deceitful than in politics.

The free conversation of a friend is what I would prefer to any environment.