All our dignity lies in thought. By thought we must elevate ourselves, not by space and time which we cannot fill. Let us endeavor then to think well; therein lies the principle of morality.

In proportion as our own mind is enlarged we discover a greater number of men of originality. Commonplace people see no difference between one man and another.

Desire causes our voluntary acts, force our involuntary.

The last thing one knows is what to put first.

Things are always at their best in their beginnings.

Human things must be known to be loved: but Divine things must be loved to be known.

Faith affirms what the senses do not affirm, but not the contrary of what they perceive. It is above and not contrary to.

It is not certain that everything is certain.

Perfect clarity would profit the intellect but damage the will.

In each action we must look beyond the action at our past, present, and future state, and at others whom it affects, and see the relations of all those things. And then we shall be very cautious.

True elegance transcends eloquence.

Faith is a sounder guide than reason. Reason can go only so far, but faith has no limits.

If man is not made for God, why is he happy only in God?