There are countries where a man is worth nothing; there are others where he is worth less than nothing.

When we seek after wit, we discover only foolishness.

Virtue in a republic is the love of one's country, that is the love of equality.

The incomparable stupidity of life teaches us to love our parents; divine philosophy teaches us to forgive them.

Talent is a gift which God has given us secretly, and which we reveal without perceiving it.

Love of the republic in a democracy, is a love of the democracy; love of the democracy is that of equality. Love of the democracy is likewise that of frugality.

Men should be bewailed at their birth, and not at their death.