To a philosophic eye, the vices of the clergy are far less dangerous than their virtues.

And the winds and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.

Imam Hussain's sacrifice is for all groups and communities, an example of the path of rightousness.

I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect.

The various modes of worship which prevailed in the Roman world were all considered by the people as equally true; by the philosopher as equally false; and by the magistrate as equally useful.

And thus toleration produced not only mutual indulgence, but even religious concord. The superstition of the people was not embittered theological rancor.

Let us read with method, and propose to ourselves an end to which our studies may point. The use of reading is to aid us in thinking.

In the end, they wanted security more than they wanted freedom.

Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius.

Vicissitudes of fortune, which spares neither man nor the proudest of his works, which buries empires and cities in a common grave.

We improve ourselves by victories over ourselves. There must be contest, and we must win.

Do you ever answer anything in a way that people expect you to?

I wish to be buried in Ireland, the country of my adoption a country which I loved, which I have dutifully served, and for which I believe I have sacrificed my life.

Become corrupt, corrupt, and you will cease to suffer!" This has been the cry of all cities to man.

lack of will power leads to more failure than lack of intelligence or ability.

I you think you've done it, then you're wrong. Because you're not finished until you have achieved everything that you never thought you could.

You know being born is important to you. You know nothing else was ever so important to you.

What will happen will happen and I won't waste my time worrying.

Watching two women kiss is like watching two prizefighters shake hands.

As long as she is wise and good, a girl has sufficient dowry.

I enjoy seeing anybody do good. I have no hard feelings.