All punishments by which the human body might be maimed are barbarbarism.

To tempt, and to be tempted, are things very nearly allied, and, in spite of the finest maxims of morality impressed upon the mind, whenever feeling has anything to do in the matter, no sooner is it excited than we have already gone vastly farther than we are aware of, and I have yet to learn how it is possible to prevent its being excited.

If I may venture to be frank I would say about myself that I was every inch a gentleman.

You philosophers are lucky men. You write on paper and paper is patient. Unfortunate Empress that I am, I write on the susceptible skins of living beings.

In my position you have to read when you want to write and to talk when you would like to read.

The use of torture is contrary to sound judgment and common sense. Humanity itself cries out against it, and demands it to be utterly abolished.

Tell a thousand people to draft a letter, let them debate every phrase, and see how long it takes and what you get.