I keep working because I am quite sure that no particle of goodness or truth is ever really lost, however appearances may be to the contrary.

It is impossible to exaggerate the evil work theology has done in the world.

a great mind can attend to little things, but a little mind cannot attend to great things.

The eye of genius has always a plaintive expression, and its natural language is pathos.

Yours for the unshackled exercise of every faculty by every human being.

In the first place, the government ought not to be invested with power to control the affections, any more than the consciences of citizens. A man has at least as good a right to choose his wife, as he has to choose his religion. His taste may not suit his neighbors; but so long as his deportment is correct, they have no right to interfere with his concerns.

Every human being has, like Socrates, an attendant spirit; and wise are they who obey its signals. If it does not always tell us what to do, it always cautions us what not to do.