It is ambition enough to be employed as an under-labourer in clearing the ground a little, and removing some of the rubbish that lies in the way to knowledge.

New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common.

Curiosity should be as carefully cherish'd in children, as other appetites suppress'd.

No peace and security among mankind-let alone common friendship-can ever exist as long as people think that governments get their authority from God and that religion is to be propagated by force of arms.

How then shall they have the play-games you allow them, if none must be bought for them?" I answer, they should make them themselves, or at least endeavour it, and set themselves about it. ...And if you help them where they are at a stand, it will more endear you to them than any chargeable toys that you shall buy for them.

I thought that I had no time for faith nor time to pray, then I saw an armless man saying his Rosary with his feet.

To prejudge other men's notions before we have looked into them is not to show their darkness but to put out our own eyes.