I consider him of no account who esteems himself just as the popular breath may chance to raise him.

He who does not think much of himself is much more esteemed than he imagines.

As for solitude, I cannot understand how certain people seek to lay claim to intellectual stature, nobility of soul and strength of character, yet have not the slightest feeling for seclusion; for solitude, I maintain, when joined with a quiet contemplation of nature, a serene and conscious faith in creation and the Creator, and a few vexations from outside is the only school for a mind of lofty endowment.

Who can think wise or stupid things at all that were not thought already in the past.

What is predestination? Answer: God is more powerful and wiser than we are, therefore he deals with us according to his pleasure.

Microscopes and telescopes really confuse our minds.

Well-mannered children could be conceived if the parents were well-mannered.