When Fashion hath once Established, what Folly or craft began, Custom makes it Sacred, and 'twill be thought impudence or madness, to contradict or question it.

Reason must be our last judge and guide in everything.

Truth, like gold, is not less so for being newly brought out of the mine.

I do not say this, that I think there should be no difference of opinions in conversation, nor opposition in men's discourses... 'Tis not the owning one's dissent from another, that I speak against, but the manner of doing it.

False and doubtful positions, relied upon as unquestionable maxims, keep those who build on them in the dark from truth. Such are usually the prejudices imbibed from education, party, reverence, fashion, interest, et cetera.

Action is the great business of mankind, and the whole matter about which all laws are conversant.

Crooked things may be as stiff and unflexible as streight: and Men may be as positive and peremptory in Error as in Truth.