The success of most things depends upon knowing how long it will take to succeed.

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.

To succeed in the world we must look foolish but be wise.

[The Pope] will make the king believe that three are only one, that the bread he eats is not bread... and a thousand other things of the same kind.

If we only wanted to be happy, it would be easy; but we want to be happier than other people, and that is almost always difficult, since we think them happier than they are.

Peace is a natural effect of trade.

There are three species of government: republican, monarchical, and despotic.