“We set forth our petitions before god, not in order to make known to him our needs and desires, but rather so that we ourselves may realize that in the things it is necessary to turn to god for help.”

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.

To pretend angels do not exist because they are invisible is to believe we never sleep because we don’t see ourselves sleeping.

Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder.

Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen

Rarely affirm, seldom deny, always distinguish.

Beware the man of a single book.

The truth of our faith becomes a matter of ridicule among the infidels if any Catholic, not gifted with the necessary scientific learning, presents as dogma what scientific scrutiny shows to be false.

Better to illuminate than merely to shine to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate.

If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.

When the devil is called god of this world, it is not because he made it, but because we serve him with our worldiness.

Love follows knowledge.

Fear is such a powerful emotion for humans that when we allow it to take us over, it drives compassion right out of our hearts.

God has no need for our worship. It is we who need to show gratitude for what we have received.

It is only god who creates. Man merely arranges.

We must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject, for both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in finding it.

There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship

How is it so easy for you to be kind to people? he asked. Milk and honey dripped from my lips as I answered cause people have not been kind to me.

The civility which money will purchase, is rarely extended to those who have none.

Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.

The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the courage of the men who defend it.

It is beautiful to love people in memories rather than love them when they are near.

Yes. He is quite a good fellow – nobody’s enemy but his own.

A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shape his circumstances.

You don’t get to choose not to pay a price, you only get to choose which price you pay.