We easily enough confess in others an advantage of courage, strength, experience, activity, and beauty; but an advantage in judgment we yield to none.

There is indeed a certain sense of gratification when we do a good deed that gives us inward satisfaction, and a generous pride that accompanies a good conscience…These testimonies of a good conscience are pleasant; and such a natural pleasure is very beneficial to us; it is the only payment that can never fail. “On Repentance

Kings and philosophers defecate, and so do ladies.

Tis faith alone that vividly and certainly comprehends the deep mysteries of our religion.

If these Essays were worthy of being judged, it might fall out, in my opinion, that they would not find much favour, either with common and vulgar minds, or with uncommon and eminent ones: the former would not find enough in them, the latter would find too much; they might manage to live somewhere in the middle region.

Since we cannot match it let us take our revenge by abusing it.

The most regular and most perfect soul in the world has but too much to do to keep itself upright from being overthrown by its own weakness.