Pessimism is only the name that men of weak nerve give to wisdom.

The equator was wisely put where it is, because if it had been run through Europe all the kings would have tried to grab it.

Religion consists in a set of things which the average man thinks he believes and wishes he was certain of.

Let us consider that we are all partially insane. It will explain us to each other; it will unriddle many riddles; it will make clear and simple many things which are involved in haunting and harassing difficulties and obscurities now.

The easy confidence with which I know another man's religion is folly teaches me to suspect that my own is also. I would not interfere with any one's religion, either to strengthen it or to weaken it. I am not able to believe one's religion can affect his hereafter one way or the other, no matter what that religion may be. But it may easily be a great comfort to him in this life-hence it is a valuable possession to him.

One mustn't criticize other people on grounds where he can't stand perpendicular himself

Prosperity is the surest breeder of insolence I know.