[Instead] of inquiring why the Roman empire was destroyed, we should rather be surprised that it had subsisted so long.

The mathematics are distinguished by a particular privilege, that is, in the course of ages, they may always advance and can never recede.

The aspiring efforts of genius, or virtue, either in active or speculative life, are measured, not so much by their real elevation, as by the height to which they ascend above the level of their age and country; and the same stature, which in a people of giants would pass unnoticed, must appear conspicuous in a race of pygmies.

A society in which marriage is encouraged and industry prevails soon repairs the accidental losses of pestilence and war.

Yet the civilians have always respected the natural right of a citizen to dispose of his life . . .

[The] vain and transitory scenes of human greatness are unworthy of a serious thought.

My early and invincible love of reading I would not exchange for all the riches of India.