“The dread of evil is a much more forcible principle of human actions than the prospect of good”

“Reason now gazes above the realm of the dark but warm feelings as the alpine peaks do above the clouds. They behold the sun more clearly and distinctly, but they are cold and unfruitful”

“Some people read because they are too lazy to think”

“Good and evil, reward and punishment, are the only motives to a rational creature: these are the spur and reins whereby all mankind are set on work, and guided”

“First there is a time when we believe everything, then for a little while we believe with discrimination, then we believe nothing whatever, and then we believe everything again - and, moreover, give reasons why we believe”

“New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common”