With the offspring of genius, the law of parturition is reversed; the throes are in the conception, the pleasure in the birth.

That is fine benevolence, finely executed, which, like the Nile, comes from hidden sources.

Attempts at reform, when they fail, strengthen despotism, as he that struggles tightens those cords he does not succeed in breaking.

Love may exist without jealousy, although this is rare: but jealousy may exist without love, and this is common; for jealousy can feed on that which is bitter no less than on that which is sweet, and is sustained by pride as often as by affection.

The three great apostles of practical atheism, that make converts without persecuting, and retain them without preaching, are wealth, health and power.

Avarice has ruined more souls than extravagance.

The praise of the envious is far less creditable than their censure; they praise only that which they can surpass, but that which surpasses them they censure.