“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.”

There must be must be a first mover existing above all – and this we call God.

Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do.

I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it. I would hope to act with compassion without thinking of personal gain.

Wonder is the desire of knowledge.

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.

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.

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.