Might I have had my own will, I would not have married Wisdom herself, if she would have had me.

Our religion is made to eradicate vices, instead it encourages them, covers them, and nurtures them.

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

I study myself more than any other subject. That is my metaphysics, that is my physics.

Books are pleasant, but if by being over-studious we impair our health and spoil our good humour, two of the best things we have, let us give it over. I, for my part, am one of those who think no fruit derived from them can recompense so great a loss.

The pleasure we hold in esteem for the course of our lives ought to have a greater share of our time dedicated to it; we should refuse no occasion nor omit any opportunity of drinking, and always have it in our minds.

I listen with attention to the judgment of all men; but so far as I can remember, I have followed none but my own.