What we become depends on what we read after all of the professors have finished with us. The greatest university of all is a collection of books.
Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear.
What other dungeon is so dark as one's own heart! What jailer so inexorable as one's self!
Arguments are to be avoided; they are always vulgar and often convincing.
To repeat what others have said, requires education; to challenge it, requires brains.
Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently. For in the very torrent, tempest, and as I may say, whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness.
Keep cool and you command everybody.