Countries are not cultivated in proportion to their fertility, but to their liberty.

A man who writes well writes not as others write, but as he himself writes; it is often in speaking badly that he speaks well.

The less luxury there is in a republic, the more it is perfect.

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

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

Nature is just to all mankind, and repays them for their industry. She renders them industrious by annexing rewards in proportion to their labor.

They who love to inform themselves, are never idle. Though I have no business of consequence to take care of, I am nevertheless continually employed. I spend my life in examining things: I write down in the evening whatever I have remarked, what I have seen, and what I have heard in the day: every thing engages my attention, and every thing excites my wonder: I am like an infant, whose organs, as yet tender, are strongly affected by the slightest objects.