It is no hard matter to get children; but after they are born, then begins the trouble, solicitude, and care rightly to train, principle, and bring them up.

Is it reasonable that even the arts should take advantage of and profit by our natural stupidity and feebleness of mind?

There is more ado to interpret interpretations than to interpret things, and more books upon books than upon any other subject; we do nothing but comment upon one another. Every place swarms with commentaries; of authors there is great scarcity.

Intemperance is the plaque of sensuality, and temperance is not its bane but its seasoning.

Fame and tranquility can never be bedfellows.

In truth, knowledge is a great and very useful quality; those who despise it give evidence enough of their stupidity. Yet I do not set its value at that extreme measure that some attribute to it.

I determine nothing; I do not comprehend things; I suspend judgment; I examine.