And truly Philosophy is but sophisticated poetry. Whence do those ancient writers derive all their authority but from the poets?

The most certain sign of wisdom is a continual cheerfulness; her state is like that of things in the regions above the moon, always clear and serene.

It is a sign of contraction of the mind when it is content, or of weariness.

Wonder is the foundation of all philosophy, inquiry the progress, ignorance the end.

Obstinacy and dogmatism are the surest signs of stupidity. Is there anything more confident, resolute, disdainful, grave and serious than an ass?

We are never present with, but always beyond ourselves; fear, desire, hope, still push us on toward the future.

A tutor should not be continually thundering instruction into the ears of his pupil, as if he were pouring it through a funnel, but, after having put the lad, like a young horse, on a trot, before him, to observe his paces, and see what he is able to perform, should, according to the extent of his capacity, induce him to taste, to distinguish, and to find out things for himself; sometimes opening the way, at other times leaving it for him to open; and by abating or increasing his own pace, accommodate his precepts to the capacity of his pupil.