I have not the hope of being immortal, because the desire of it has not given me that vanity.

The enjoyment of freedom which could be exercised without any motivation would be the real hallmark of a maniac.

Distance is a great promoter of admiration.

My friend, you should blow out your candle in order to find your way more clearly.

Evil always turns up in this world through some genius or other.

Mankind have banned the Divinity from their presence; they have relegated him to a sanctuary; the walls of the temple restrict his view; he does not exist outside of it.

To be born in imbecility, in the midst of pain and crisis; to be the plaything of ignorance, error, need, sickness, wickedness, and passions; to return step by step to imbecility, from the time of lisping to that of doting; to live among knaves and charlatans of all kinds; to die between one man who takes your pulse and another who troubles your head; never to know where you come from, why you come and where you are going! That is what is called the most important gift of our parents and nature. Life.