Experience shows that the frequent use of severe punishment has never rendered a people better. The death of a criminal is a less effective means of restraining crimes than the permanent example of a man deprived of his liberty during the whole of his life to make amends for the injury he has done to the public.

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

The most sure, but at the same time the most difficult expedient to mend the morals of the people, is a perfect system of education.

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.

I sincerely want peace, not because I lack resources for war, but because I hate bloodshed.

The trouble is that my heart is loath to be without love even for a single hour. ... If you want to keep me forever, then show as much friendship as love, and more than anything else, love me and tell me the truth.

Your wit makes others witty.