Poverty in itself does not make men into a rabble; a rabble is created only when there is joined to poverty a disposition of mind, an inner indignation against the rich, against society, against the government.

The first glance at History convinces us that the actions of men proceed from their needs, their passions, their characters and talents; and impresses us with the belief that such needs, passions and interests are the sole spring of actions

Mark this well, you proud men of action! you are, after all, nothing but unconscious instruments of the men of thought.

To him who looks upon the world rationally, the world in its turn presents a rational aspect. The relation is mutual.

The learner always begins by finding fault, but the scholar sees the positive merit in everything.

All that is real is reasonable, and all that is reasonable is real.