“Those who wish to seek out the cause of miracles and to understand the things of nature as philosophers, and not to stare at them in astonishment like fools, are soon considered heretical and impious, and proclaimed as such by those whom the mob adores as the interpreters of nature and the gods. For these men know that, once ignorance is put aside, that wonderment would be taken away, which is the only means by which their authority is preserved.”

“Those who wish to seek out the cause of miracles and to understand the things of nature as philosophers, and not to stare at them in astonishment like fools, are soon considered heretical and impious, and proclaimed as such by those whom the mob adores as the interpreters of nature and the gods. For these men know that, once ignorance is put aside, that wonderment would be taken away, which is the only means by which their authority is preserved.”

“He alone is free who lives with free consent under the entire guidance of reason.”

“The world would be happier if men had the same capacity to be silent that they have to speak.”

“Do not weep do not wax indignant. Understand. ”

“It may easily come to pass that a vain man may become proud and imagine himself pleasing to all when he is in reality a universal nuisance.”

“Those who are believed to be most abject and humble are usually most ambitious and envious.”

“Whatsoever is, is in God, and without God nothing can be, or be conceived.”

“God is the indwelling and not the transient cause of all things.”

“Ambition is the immoderate desire for power.”

“To give aid to every poor man is far beyond the reach and power of every man. Care of the poor is incumbent on society as a whole.”

“Happiness is a virtue, not its reward.”