Harsh counsels have no effect; they are like hammers which are always repulsed by the anvil.

Every man without passions has within him no principle of action, nor motive to act.

What makes men happy is liking what they have to do. This is a principle on which society is not founded

Discipline is, in a manner, nothing else but the art of inspiring the soldiers with greater fear of their officers than of the enemy. This fear has often the effect of courage: but it cannot prevail against the fierce and obstinate valor of people animated by fanaticism, or warm love of their country.

The man who believes he can do it is probably right.

Pleasure and pain are the only springs of action in man, and always will be.

To be loved, we should merit but little esteem; all superiority attracts awe and aversion.