The life of man is of no greater importance to the universe than that of an oyster.
In this sullen apathy neither true wisdom nor true happiness can be found.
In a vain man, the smallest spark may kindle into the greatest flame, because the materials are always prepared for it.
The law always limits every power it gives.
The corruption of the best things gives rise to the worst.
If God is omnipotent, omniscient and wholly good, whence evil? If God wills to prevent evil but cannot, then He is not omnipotent. If He can prevent evil but does not, then he is not good. In either case he is not God.
And though the philosopher may live remote from business, the genius of philosophy, if carefully cultivated by several, must gradually diffuse itself throughout the whole society, and bestow a similar correctness on every art and calling.
Nothing indeed can be a stronger presumption of falsehood than the approbation of the multitude.
And what is the greatest number? Number one.
Where ambition can cover its enterprises, even to the person himself, under the appearance of principle, it is the most incurable and inflexible of passions.
Everything in the world is purchased by labor.
This avidity alone, of acquiring goods and possessions for ourselves and our nearest friends, is insatiable, perpetual, universal, and directly destructive of society.
Art may make a suite of clothes, but nature must produce a man.
The sweetest path of life leads through the avenues of learning, and whoever can open up the way for another, ought, so far, to be esteemed a benefactor to mankind.
He is happy whom circumstances suit his temper; but he Is more excellent who suits his temper to any circumstance.
A purpose, an intention, a design, strikes everywhere even the careless, the most stupid thinker.
Human Nature is the only science of man; and yet has been hitherto the most neglected.
Philosophy would render us entirely Pyrrhonian, were not nature too strong for it.
Beauty, whether moral or natural, is felt, more properly than perceived.
The great end of all human industry is the attainment of happiness.