Our true dignity consists — in thought. Thence we must derive our elevation, not from space or duration. Let us endeavor then to think well; this is the principle of morals.

The finite is annihilated in the presence of the infinite, and becomes a pure nothing. So our spirit before God, so our justice before divine justice.

The art of revolutionizing and overturning states is to undermine established customs, by going back to their origin, in order to mark their want of justice.

If magistrates had true justice, and if physicians had the true art of healing, they would have no occasion for square caps; the majesty of these sciences would itself be venerable enough.

The last thing we decide in writing a book is what to put first.

Beauty is a harmonious relation between something in our nature and the quality of the object which delights us.

There should be in eloquence that which is pleasing and that which is real; but that which is pleasing should itself be real.