All religions are pieced together out of elements which seem so at odds with reason that any intelligence laughs at them.

God, Nature, the wise, the world, preach man, exhort him both by word and deed to the study of himself.

It is certainly much easier wholly to decline a passion than to keep it within just bounds and measures; and that which few can moderate almost anybody may prevent.

The advice of friends must be received with a judicious reserve; we must not give ourselves up to it and follow it blindly, whether right or wrong.

Wise men mingle mirth with their cares, as a help either to forget or overcome them; but to resort to intoxication for the ease of one's mind is to cure melancholy by madness.

The true science and study of mankind is man.

He who receives a benefit should never forget it; he who bestows should never remember it.