All death in nature is birth, and at the moment of death appears visibly the rising of life. There is no dying principle in nature, for nature throughout is unmixed life, which, concealed behind the old, begins again and develops itself. Death as well as birth is simply in itself, in order to present itself ever more brightly and more like to itself.

The person who doubts there is an external world does not need proof: he needs a cure.

What sort of philosophy one chooses depends on what sort of person one is.

As to those in whom the will of God is not inwardly accomplished,-because there is no inward life in them, for they are altogether outward,-upon them the will of God is wrought as alone it can be; appearing at first sight bitter and ungracious, though in reality merciful and loving in the highest degree. To those who do not love God, all things must work together immediately for pain and torment, until, by means of the tribulation, they are led to salvation at last.

We do not act because we know, but we know because we are called upon to act; the practical reason is the root of all reason.

He who is firm in will molds the world to himself.

I know what I can know, and am not troubled about what I cannot know.