There is no such thing as destiny. We ourselves shape our lives.

I have had friends who have acted kindly towards me, and it has been my good fortune to have it in my power to give them substantial proofs of my gratitude.

If you have not done things worthy of being written about, at least write things worthy of being read.

Love is only a feeling of curiousity more or less intense, grafted upon the inclination placed in us by nature that the species may be preserved.

The sweetest pleasures are those which are hardest to be won.

I have loved women even to madness, but I have always loved liberty better.

Man is free; yet we must not suppose that he is at liberty to do everything he pleases, for he becomes a slave the moment he allows his actions to be ruled by passion.