The metaphysical insanities of Athanasius, of Loyola, and of Calvin, are, to my understanding, mere lapses into polytheism, differing from paganism only by being more unintelligible.

Friendship is but another name for an alliance with the follies and the misfortunes of others. Our own share of miseries is sufficient: why enter then as volunteers into those of another?

I tolerate with the utmost latitude the right of others to differ from me in opinion without imputing to them criminality.

An honest heart being the first blessing, a knowing head is the second.

It is more honorable to repair a wrong than to persist in it.

Truth can stand by itself...If there be but one right [religion], and [Christianity] that one, we should wish to see the nine hundred and ninety-nine wandering sects gathered into the fold of truth.

I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.