The state has physical power and uses it when necessary; the power of religion is love and beneficence
Moses MendelssohnMy religion recognizes no obligation to resolve doubt other than through rational means; and it commands no mere faith in eternal truths
Moses MendelssohnThe state dictates and coerces; religion teaches and persuades. The state enacts laws; religion gives commandments. The state is armed with physical force and makes use of it if need be; the force of religion is love and benevolence.
Moses MendelssohnConsciousness of myself, combined with complete ignorance of everything that does not fall within my sphere of thinking, is the most telling proof of my substantiality outside God, of my original existence
Moses MendelssohnWe consider the beauty of nature and art with pleasure and satisfaction, without the slightest movement of desire. Instead, it appears to be a particular mark of beauty that it is considered with tranquil satisfaction; that it pleases if we also do not possess it and we are still far removed from demanding to possess it
Moses Mendelssohn