One's first step in wisdom is to question everything - and one's last is to come to terms with everything.

Reason now gazes above the realm of the dark but warm feelings as the Alpine peaks do above the clouds. They behold the sun more clearly and distinctly, but they are cold and unfruitful.

What most clearly characterizes true freedom and its true employment is its misemployment.

A clever child brought up with a foolish one can itself become foolish. Man is so perfectible and corruptible he can become a fool through good sense.

Diogenes, filthily attired, paced across the splendid carpets in Plato's dwelling. Thus, said he, do I trample on the pride of Plato. Yes, Plato replied, but only with another kind of pride.

It is too bad if you have to do everything upon reflection and can't do anything from early habit.

Man is always partial and is quite right to be. Even impartiality is partial.