The Guide for the Perplexed (tr. M. Friedländer, 2nd ed. 1904)

The book opens with

The human mind can grasp some things, but some things that really exist lie entirely beyond its reach

Their wordsKnow that for the human mind there are certain objects of perception which are within the scope of its nature and capacity; on the other hand, there are, amongst things which actually exist, certain objects which the mind can in no way and by no means grasp: the gates of perception are closed against it.

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Every claim below was made in this book, quoted word for word and numbered in the order the piece makes them, so you can read it there rather than take our word for it. The book prints chapter headings its extracted text does not preserve, so the claims below are in the book's order but not grouped. The sentence above each quote is our reading of the claim, not their wording. Each quote was checked against a stored copy of the page at build time; where the two differ, the quote is the fact.

Our reading
The human mind can grasp some things, but some things that really exist lie entirely beyond its reach

Their wordsKnow that for the human mind there are certain objects of perception which are within the scope of its nature and capacity; on the other hand, there are, amongst things which actually exist, certain objects which the mind can in no way and by no means grasp: the gates of perception are closed against it.
Our reading
God is truly described only by negations; positive attributes misdescribe God

Their wordsKnow that the negative attributes of God are the true attributes: they do not include any incorrect notions or any deficiency whatever in reference to God, while positive attributes imply polytheism, and are inadequate, as we have already shown.
Our reading
The eternity of the universe is unproven, and a merely plausible argument does not justify reading scripture figuratively

Their wordsBut the Eternity of the Universe has not been proved; a mere argument in favour of a certain theory is not sufficient reason for rejecting the literal meaning of a Biblical text, and explaining it figuratively, when the opposite theory can be supported by an equally good argument.
Our reading
It is a mistake, made even by many who think themselves wise, to believe the world holds more evil than good

Their wordsMen frequently think that the evils in the world are more numerous than the good things; many savings and songs of the nations dwell on this idea. They say that a good thing is found only exceptionally, whilst evil things are numerous and lasting. Not only common people make this mistake, but even many who believe that they are wise.
Our reading
The Law aims at the well-being of both soul and body, the soul's through correct opinions suited to people's capacity

Their wordsThe general object of the Law is twofold: the well-being of the soul, and the well-being of the body. The well-being of the soul is promoted by correct opinions communicated to the people according to their capacity.
Our reading
Each of the 613 commandments serves a purpose: teaching truth, removing error, ordering society, reducing evil or training character

Their wordsBut the truth is undoubtedly as we have said, that every one of the six hundred and thirteen precepts serves to inculcate some truth, to remove some erroneous opinion, to establish proper relations in society, to diminish evil, to train in good manners, or to warn against bad habits.
Our reading
Humanity's true perfection is intellectual, holding true ideas about God, and it alone is one's own and gives immortality

Their wordsThe fourth kind of perfection is the true perfection of man; the possession of the highest intellectual faculties; the possession of such notions which lead to true metaphysical opinions as regards God. With this perfection man has obtained his final object; it gives him true human perfection; it remains to him alone; it gives him immortality, and on its account he is called man.

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