There is no one, says another, whom fortune does not visit once in his life; but when she does not find him ready to receive her, she walks in at the door, and flies out at the window.

There is no nation so powerful, as the one that obeys its laws not from principals of fear or reason, but from passion.

Friendship is a contract in which we render small services in expectation of big ones.

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

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.

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

Experience constantly proves that every man who has power is impelled to abuse it; he goes on till he is pulled up by some limits. Who would say it! virtue even has need of limits.