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

Only the bad man is alone.

Distance is a great promoter of admiration.

They mistake the first manifestations of a developing sexual nature for the voice of God calling them to Himself; and it is precisely when nature is inciting them that they embrace a fashion of life contrary to nature's wish.

Fanaticism is just one step away from barbarism.

I feel, I think, I judge; therefore, a part of organized matter like me is capable of feeling, thinking, and judging.

Does not vanity itself cease to be blamable, is it not even ennobled, when it is directed to laudable objects, when it confines itself to prompting us to great and generous actions?