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

Tortures are a dangerous invention, and seem to be a test of endurance rather than of truth.

We every day and every hour say things of another that we might more properly say of ourselves, could we but apply our observations to our own concerns.

Is it not a noble farce, wherein kings, republics, and emperors have for so many ages played their parts, and to which the whole vast universe serves for a theatre?

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

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.

In the education of children there is nothing like alluring the interest and affection; otherwise you only make so many asses laden with books.