Affectation is an awkward and forced imitation of what should be genuine and easy, wanting the beauty that accompanies what is natural.

Some eyes want spectacles to see things clearly and distinctly: but let not those that use them therefore say nobody can see clearly without them.

Untruth being unacceptable to the mind of man, there is no other defence left for absurdity but obscurity.

There is not so contemptible a plant or animal that does not confound the most enlarged understanding.

The visible marks of extraordinary wisdom and power appear so plainly in all the works of creation that a rational creature who will but seriously reflect on them cannot miss the discovery of a diety.

There cannot any one moral rule be proposed whereof a man may not justly demand a reason.

It is of great use to the sailor to know the length of his line, though he cannot with it fathom all the depths of the ocean.

Wherever law ends, tyranny begins.

He that judges without informing himself to the utmost that he is capable, cannot acquit himself of judging amiss.

There is frequently more to be learned from the unexpected questions of a child than the discourses of men, who talk in a road, according to the notions they have borrowed and the prejudices of their education.