The greatest difficulties lie where we are not looking for them.

When I consider the narrow limits within which our active and inquiring faculties are confined; when I see how all our energies are wasted in providing for mere necessities, which again have no further end than to prolong a wretched existence; and then that all our satisfaction concerning certain subjects of investigation ends in nothing better than a passive resignation... when I consider all this... I am silent.

Would you require a wretched being, whose life is slowly wasting under a lingering disease, to despatch himself at once by the stroke of a dagger? Does not the very disorder which consumes his strength deprive him of the courage to effect his deliverance?

Lamps make oil-spots and candles need snuffing; it is only the light of heaven that shines pure and leaves no stain.

Upon the creatures we have made, we are, ourselves, at last, dependent.

The style of an author is a faithful copy of his mind.

The highest cannot be spoken; it can only be acted.