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.

I was oppressed with the sensations I then felt; I sunk under the weight of them.

To appear at church every Sunday; to look down upon, and let himself be looked at for an hour by the congregation, is the best means of becoming popular which can be recommended to a young sovereign.

Wisdom is only found in truth.

Doubt grows with knowledge.

To know someone here or there with whom you can feel there is understanding in spite of distances or thoughts expressed That can make life a garden.

I let everyone follow his own bent, that I may be free to follow mine.