I believe that there never was a creator of a philosophical system who did not confess at the end of his life that he had wasted his time. It must be admitted that the inventors of the mechanical arts have been much more useful to men that the inventors of syllogisms. He who imagined a ship towers considerably above him who imagined innate ideas.

History is only the pattern of silken slippers descending the stairs to the thunder of hobnailed boots climbing upward from below.

I read these words which are the sum of all moral philosophy, and which cut short all the disputes of the casuists: When in doubt if an action is good or bad, refrain.

It is only through timidity that states are lost.

Why are the Jews hated? It is the inevitable result of their laws; they either have to conquer everybody or be hated by the whole human race.

Secret griefs are more cruel than public calamities.

I cannot imagine how the clockwork of the universe can exist without a clockmaker.