To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.

I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not relieve.

Virtue has needs of limits.

False happiness renders men stern and proud, and that happiness is never communicated. True happiness renders them kind and sensible, and that happiness is always shared.

Solemnity is the shield of idiots

A prince who loves and fears religion is a lion who stoops to the hand that strokes or to the voice that appeases him. He who fears and hates religion is like the savage beast that growls and bites the chain, which prevents his flying on the passenger. He who has no religion at all is that terrible animal who perceives his liberty only when he tears in pieces, and when he devours.

But constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go.