Doctors are always working to preserve our health and cooks to destroy it, but the latter are the more often successful.

What has not been examined impartially has not been well examined. Skepticism is therefore the first step towards truth.

You can be sure that a painter reveals himself in his work as much as and more than a writer does in his.

The philosopher forms his principles on an infinity of particular observations. He does not confuse truth with plausibility, he takes for truth what is true, for false what is false, for doubtful what is doubtful, and probable what is probable. The philosophical spirit is thus a spirit of observation and accuracy.

Those who fear the facts will forever try to discredit the fact-finders.

When we know to read our own hearts, we acquire wisdom of the heartsof others.

Give, but, if possible, spare the poor man the shame of begging.