The fabric of a mighty state, which has been reared by the labours of successive ages, could not be overturned by the misfortune of a single day, if the fatal power of the imagination did not exaggerate the real measure of the calamity.

I was never less alone than when by myself.

Of the various forms of government which have prevailed in the world, an hereditary monarchy seems to present the fairest scope for ridicule.

I am indeed rich, since my income is superior to my expenses, and my expense is equal to my wishes.

The end comes when we no longer talk with ourselves. It is the end of genuine thinking and the beginning of the final loneliness.

There is nothing perhaps more adverse to nature and reason than to hold in obedience remote countries and foreign nations, in opposition to their inclination and interest.

It is the first care of a reformer to prevent any future reformation.