There are few things on which we can pass a sincere judgement, because there are few things in which we have not, in one way or another, a particular interest.

A straight oar looks bent in the water. It matters not merely that we see a thing, but how we see it.

It is good to rub and polish our brain against that of others.

It is very easy to accuse a government of imperfection, for all mortal things are full of it.

To know how to live is my trade and my art.

A man must keep a little back shop where he can be himself without reserve. In solitude alone can he know true freedom.

Of all human and ancient opinions concerning religion, that seems to me the most likely and most excusable, that acknowledged God as an incomprehensible power, the original and preserver of all things, all goodness, all perfection, receiving and taking in good part the honour and reverence that man paid him, under what method, name, or ceremonies soever.