One has so much time for thought in the country! However occupied one may be, 'tis with nothing that engrosses the mind, which works away on its own account like a mill-wheel.

Oh! if people were but acquainted with piety, they would not fear it so much, or give it so unattractive a character; 'tis the balm of life, and perhaps in the world it is believed to consist of bitterness, harshness, uncouthness; but, take my word for it, nothing is more gentle, more yielding, more loving than a pious soul.

One has so much time for thought in the country! However occupied one may be, 'tis with nothing that engrosses the mind, which works away on its own account like a mill-wheel.

My God, how badly one calculates in this world! ... Let us leave off calculating on anything but death -- it is the only certainty.

Kings may see their palaces fall, but the ants will always have their dwellings.

Fear is the beginning of wisdom.

The errors of the intellect are fatal, still more dangerous than those of the heart.