Modesty teaches us to speak of the ancients with respect, especially when we are not very familiar with their works. Newton, who knew them practically by heart, had the greatest respect for them, and considered them to be men of genius and superior intelligence who had carried their discoveries in every field much further than we today suspect, judging from what remains of their writings. More ancient writings have been lost than have been preserved, and perhaps our new discoveries are of less value than those that we have lost.

A good man not only forbears those gratifications which are forbidden by reason and religion, but even restrains himself in unforbidden instances.

It's attention to detail that makes the difference between average and stunning.

The greater absurdities are, the more strongly they evince the falsity of that supposition from whence they flow.

It is impossible to have a lively hope in another life, and yet be deeply immersed in the enjoyments of this.

Few consider how much we are indebted to government, because few can represent how wretched mankind would be without it.

He who performs his duty in a station of great power must needs incur the utter enmity of many, and the high displeasure of more.