Children are what the mothers are.

Friendship may sometimes step a few paces in advance of truth.

Death stands above me, whispering low I know not what into my ear; Of his strange language all I know Is, there is not a word of fear.

I would recommend a free commerce both of matter and mind. I would let men enter their own churches with the same freedom as their own houses; and I would do it without a homily or graciousness or favor, for tyranny itself is to me a word less odious than toleration.

We enter our studies, and enjoy a society which we alone can bring together. We raise no jealousy by conversing with one in preference to another; we give no offence to the most illustrious by questioning him as long as we will, and leaving him as abruptly. Diversity of opinion raises no tumult in our presence: each interlocutor stands before us, speaks or is silent, and we adjourn or decide the business at our leisure.

Wherever there is excessive wealth, there is also in the train of it excessive poverty.

Music is God's gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven.