To be happy is not the purpose for which you are placed in this world.

Instruction does not prevent wasted time or mistakes; and mistakes themselves are often the best teachers of all.

The moral system of the universe is like a document written in alternate ciphers, which change from line to line.

Our human laws are but the copies, more or less imperfect, of the eternal laws, so far as we can read them.

High original genius is always ridiculed on its first appearance; most of all by those who have won themselves the highest reputation in working on the established lines. Genius only commands recognition when it has created the taste which is to appreciate it.

Philosophy goes no further than probabilities, and in every assertion keeps a doubt in reserve.

The superstition of science scoffs at the superstition of faith.