There is a great difference between mind and body insomuch as body is by nature always divisible, and the mind is entirely indivisible.

But I cannot forget that, at other times I have been deceived in sleep by similar illusions; and, attentively considering those cases, I perceive so clearly that there exist no certain marks by which the state of waking can ever be distinguished from sleep, that I feel greatly astonished; and in amazement I almost persuade myself that I am now dreaming.

It's the familiar love-hate syndrome of seduction: "I don't really care what it is I say, I care only that you like it."

Few look for truth; many prowl about for a reputation of profundity by arrogantly challenging whichever arguments are the best.

Reason is nothing without imagination.

[About Pierre de Fermat] It cannot be denied that he has had many exceptional ideas, and that he is a highly intelligent man. For my part, however, I have always been taught to take a broad overview of things, in order to be able to deduce from them general rules, which might be applicable elsewhere.

Whenever anyone has offended me, I try to raise my soul so high that the offense cannot reach it.