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

I like better for one to say some foolish thing upon important matters than to be silent. That becomes the subject of discussion and dispute, and the truth is discovered.

The arbitrary rule of a just and enlightened prince is always bad. His virtues are the most dangerous and the surest form of seduction: they lull a people imperceptibly into the habit of loving, respecting, and serving his successor, whoever that successor may be, no matter how wicked or stupid.

Happiest are the people who give most happiness to others.

Posterity for the philosopher is what the other world is for the religious man.

All children are essentially criminal.

Does anyone really know where they're going to?