Persons of mean understandings, not so inquisitive, nor so well instructed, are made good Christians, and by reverence and obedience, implicity believe, and abide by their belief.

The strength of any plan depends on the time. Circumstances and things eternally shift and change.

It's not victory if it doesn't end the war.

Thus we should beware of clinging to vulgar opinions, and judge things by reason's way, not by popular say.

Que sçais-je?" (What do I know?)

Lay a beam between these two towers of such width as we need to walk on: there is no philosophical wisdom of such great firmness that it can give us courage to walk on it as we should if it were on the ground.

Other passions have objects to flatter them, and seem to content and satisfy them for a while; there is power in ambition, pleasure in luxury, and pelf in covetousness; but envy can gain nothing but vexation.