The worst condition of humans is when they lose knowledge and control of themselves.

Whatever I may be, I want to be elsewhere than on paper. My art and my industry have been employed in making myself good for something; my studies, in teaching me to do, not to write. I have put all my efforts into forming my life. That is my trade and my work.

I aim here only at revealing myself, who will perhaps be different tomorrow, if I learn something new which changes me.

There is a certain consideration, and a general duty of humanity, that binds us not only to the animals, which have life and feeling, but even to the trees and plants. We owe justice to people, and kindness and benevolence to all other creatures who may be susceptible of it. There is some intercourse between them and us, and some mutual obligation.

Every one's true worship was that which he found in use in the place where he chanced to be.

My business is only to keep myself in motion, whilst motion pleases me; I only walk for the walk's sake.

As for me, then, I love life and cultivate it just as God has been pleased to grant it to us.