The idea is essentially repulsive, of a society held together only by the relations and feelings arising out of pecuniary interest.

Among the works of man, which human life is rightly employed in perfecting, the first in importance surely is man himself.

Judgement is given to men that they may use it. Because it may be used erroneously, are men to be told that they ought not to use it at all?

Stupidity is much the same all the world over. A stupid person's notions and feelings may confidently be inferred from those which prevail in the circle by which the person is surrounded. Not so with those whose opinions and feelings are an emanation from their own nature and faculties.

Almost all rich veins of original and striking speculation have been opened by systematic half-thinkers.

There is the greatest difference between presuming an opinion to be true, because, with every opportunity for contesting it, it has not been refuted, and assuming its truth for the purpose of not permitting its refutation.

Those only are happy who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness; on the happiness of others, on the improvement of mankind, even on some art or pursuit, followed not as a means, but as itself an ideal end. Aiming thus at something else, they find happiness by the way.