“I have never seen a greater monster or miracle in the world than myself.” — Michel de Montaigne

Wit is a dangerous weapon, even to the possessor, if he knows not how to use it discreetly.

We are Christians by the same title as we are natives of Perigord or Germany.

The confidence in another man's virtue is no light evidence of a man's own, and God willingly favors such a confidence.

I set forth a humble and inglorious life; that does not matter. You can tie up all moral philosophy with a common and private life just as well as with a life of richer stuff. Each man bears the entire form of man's estate.