"Nothing contributes so much to tranquillize the mind as a steady purpose—a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye."

"Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay to mould me Man, did I solicit thee from darkness to promote me?

"Seek happiness in tranquility and avoid ambition, even if it be only the apparently innocent one of distinguishing yourself in science and discoveries."

I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other."