Even those who write against fame wish for the fame of having written well, and those who read their works desire the fame of having read them.

Equality of possessions is no doubt right, but, as men could not make might obey right, they have made right obey might.

True eloquence makes light of eloquence. True morality makes light of morality.

Symmetry is what we see at a glance; based on the fact that there is no reason for any difference.

There is nothing so insupportable to man as to be in entire repose, without passion, occupation, amusement, or application. Then it is that he feels his own nothingness, isolation, insignificance, dependent nature, powerless, emptiness. Immediately there issue from his soul ennui, sadness, chagrin, vexation, despair.

Description of man: dependence, longing for independence, need.

When we see an effect happen always in the same manner, we infer that it takes place by a natural necessity; as, for instance, that the sun will rise to morrow; but nature often deceives us, and will not submit to its own rules.