Eloquence is a painting of thought; and thus those who, after having painted it, add something more, make a picture instead of a portrait.

The great mass of people judge well of things, for they are in natural ignorance, which is man's true state.

Things have different qualities, and the soul different inclinations; for nothing is simple which is presented to the soul, and the soul never presents itself simply to any object. Hence it comes that we weep and laugh at the same thing.

It is certain that those who have the living faith in their hearts see at once that all existence is none other than the work of the God whom they adore. But for those in whom this light is extinguished, [if we were to show them our proofs of the existence of God] nothing is more calculated to arouse their contempt. . . .

Eloquence is a painting of the thoughts.

It is dangerous to tell the people that the laws are unjust; for they obey them only because they think them just. Therefore it isnecessary to tell them at the same time that they must obey them because they are laws, just as they must obey superiors, not because they are just, but because they are superiors. In this way all sedition is prevented.

All err the more dangerously because each follows a truth. Their mistake lies not in following a falsehood but in not following another truth.