The false notion of miracles comes of our vanity, which makes us believe we are important enough for the Supreme Being to upset nature on our behalf.

The mood and temper of the public in regard to the treatment of crime and criminals is one of the most unfailing tests of the civilisation of any country.

If I knew something that would serve my country but would harm mankind, I would never reveal it; for I am a citizen of humanity first and by necessity, and a citizen of France second, and only by accident

Countries are well cultivated, not as they are fertile, but as they are free.

There are bad examples which are worse than crimes; and more states have perished from the violation of morality than from the violation of law.

The sublimity of administration consists in knowing the proper degree of power that should be exerted on different occasions.

Not to be loved is a misfortune, but it is an insult to be loved no longer.