The great trick of regarding small departures from the truth as the truth itself - on which is founded the entire integral calculus - is also the basis of our witty speculations, where the whole thing would often collapse if we considered the departures with philosophical rigour.

Everyone should study at least enough philosophy and belles-lettres to make his sexual experience more delectable.

The highest point to which a weak but experienced mind can rise is detecting the weakness of better men.

The sure conviction that we could if we wanted to is the reason so many good minds are idle.

We accumulate our opinions at an age when our understanding is at its weakest.

If all mankind were suddenly to practice honesty, many thousands of people would be sure to starve.

Deliberate virtue is never worth much: The virtue of feeling or habit is the thing.