Religion is a mere question of geography.

But the human character, however it may be exalted or depressed by a temporary enthusiasm, will return by degrees to its proper and natural level, and will resume those passions that seem the most adapted to its present condition.

The pathetic almost always consists in the detail of little events.

Revenge is profitable, gratitude is expensive.

Ignorant of the arts of luxury, the primitive Romans had improved the science of government and war.

Whenever the spirit of fanaticism, at once so credulous and so crafty, has insinuated itself into a noble mind, it insensibly corrodes the vital principles of virtue and veracity.

The land was then covered with morasses and forests, which spread to a boundless extent, whenever man has ceased to exercise his dominion over the earth.