You cannot perceive beauty but with a serene mind.

It is not in vain that man speaks to man. This is the value of literature.

Shams and delusions are esteemed for soundest truths, while reality is fabulous. If men would steadily observe realities only, and not allow themselves to be deluded, life ... would be like a fairy tale and the Arabian Nights' Entertainments.

The progress from an absolute to a limited monarchy, from a limited monarchy to a democracy, is a progress toward a true respect for the individual.

Nearest to all things is that power which fashions their being. Next to us the grandest laws are constantly being executed. Next to us is not the workman whom we have hired, with whom we love so well to talk, but the workman whose work we are.

The eye may see for the hand, but not for the mind.

But men labor under a mistake. The better part of the man is soon plowed into the soil for compost.