I shall attempt to prove two things: first, that the actions and dispositions of mankind are the offspring of circumstances and events, and not of any original determination that they bring into the world; and, secondly, that the great stream of our voluntary actions essentially depends, not upon the direct and immediate impulses of sense, but upon the decisions of the understanding.

The proper method for hastening the decay of error, is not, by brute force, or by regulation which is one of the classes of force, to endeavour to reduce men to intellectual uniformity; but on the contrary by teaching every man to think for himself.

If there be such a thing as truth, it must infallibly be struck out by the collision of mind with mind.

The first duty of man is to take none of the principles of conduct upon trust; to do nothing without a clear and individual conviction that it is right to be done.

Perfectibility is one of the most unequivocal characteristics of the human species.

He that loves reading has everything within his reach.

Duty is that mode of action on the part of the individual which constitutes the best possible application of his capacity to the general benefit.