The search for truth is more precious than its possession.

For me the greatest beauty always lies in the greatest clarity.

Pleasures, riches, honor and joy are sure to have care, disgrace, adversity and affliction in their train. There is no pleasure without pain, no joy without sorrow. O the folly of expecting lasting felicity in a vale of tears, or a paradise in a ruined world.

If the advice of a fool for once happens to be good, it requires a wise man to carry it out.

The superstition in which we were brought up never loses its power over us, even after we understand it.

My God, grant that my bounty may be a clear and transparent river, flowing from pure charity, and uncontaminated by self-love, ambition, or interest. Thanks are due not to me, but Thee, from whom all I possess is derived. And what are the paltry gifts for which my neighbor forgets to thank me, compared with the immense blessings for which I have so often forgotten to be grateful to Thee!

If some things don't make you lose your sense of reason, then you have none to lose.