We never live, but we hope to live; and, as we are always preparing to be happy, it is inevitable we should never be so.

Mathematicians who are only mathematicians have exact minds, provided all things are explained to them by means of definitions and axioms; otherwise they are inaccurate and insufferable, for they are only right when the principles are quite clear.

Nature has some perfections to show that she is the image of God, and some defects to show that she is only His image.

To call a king "Prince" is pleasing, because it diminishes his rank.

Reason commands us far more imperiously than a master; in disobeying the latter we are made unhappy, in disobeying the former, fools.

Nothing gives rest but the sincere search for truth.

Instead of complaining that God had hidden Himself, you will give Him thanks for having revealed so much of Himself.

By space the universe encompasses and swallows me up like an atom; by thought I comprehend the world.

Man is but a reed, the feeblest thing in nature; but he is a thinking reed.

Man is equally incapable of seeing the nothingness from which he emerges and the infinity in which he is engulfed.