The masses are the material of democracy, but its form-that is to say, the laws which express the general reason, justice, and utility-can only be rightly shaped by wisdom, which is by no means a universal property.

Philosophy means the complete liberty of the mind, and therefore independence of all social, political or religious prejudice... It loves one thing only... truth.

Hope is only the love of life.

At bottom, everything depends upon the presence or absence of one single element in the soul - HOPE

Every life is a profession of faith, and exercises an inevitable and silent influence.

A belief is not true simply because it is useful.

A musical theme once exhausted, finds its due refuge and repose in silence.