There are two very natural propensities which we may distinguish in the most virtuous and liberal dispositions, the love of pleasure and the love of action. If the former is refined by art and learning, improved by the charms of social intercourse, and corrected by a just regard to economy, to health, and to reputation, it is productive of the greatest part of the happiness of private life.

Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism.

Since the primitive times, the wealth of the popes was exposed to envy, their powers to opposition, and their persons to violence.

When Julian ascended the throne, he declared his impatience to embrace and reward the Syrian sophist, who had preserved, in a degenerate age, the Grecian purity of taste, of manners and of religion. The emperor's prepossession was increased and justified by the discreet pride of his favourite.

Books are those faithful mirrors that reflect to our mind the minds of sages and heroes.

Religion is a mere question of geography.

Fanaticism obliterates the feelings of humanity.