The highest type of free men should be sought where the highest resistance is constantly overcome: five steps from tyranny, close to the threshold of the danger of servitude.

The same passions in man and woman nonetheless differ in tempo; hence man and woman do not cease misunderstanding one another.

To produce music is also in a sense to produce children.

In a man devoted to knowledge, pity seems almost ridiculous, like delicate hands on a cyclops.

A refined nature is vexed by knowing that some one owes it thanks, a coarse nature by knowing that it owes thanks to some one.

The greatest giver of alms is cowardice.

What do you regard as most humane? To spare someone shame.