In earlier religions the spirit of the time was expressed through the individual and confirmed by miracles. In modern religions the spirit is expressed through the many and confirmed by reason.

Sleep is lovely, death is better still, not to have been born is of course the miracle.

From every Englishman emanates a kind of gas, the deadly choke-damp of boredom.

It must require an inordinate share of vanity and presumption, too, after enjoying so much that is good and beautiful on earth, to ask the Lord for immortality in addition to it all.

Silence can be defined as conversation with an Englishman

I have a most peaceable disposition. My desires are for a modest hut, a thatched roof, but a good bed, good food, very fresh milk and butter, flowers in front of my window and a few pretty trees by my door. And should the good Lord wish to make me really happy, he will allow me the pleasure of seeing about six or seven of my enemies hanged upon those trees.

I consider it a degradation and a stain on my honor to submit to baptism in order to qualify myself for state employment in Prussia.