The wisest prophets make sure of the event first.

The sure way of judging whether our first thoughts are judicious, is to sleep on them. If they appear of the same force the next morning as they did over night, and if good nature ratifies what good sense approves, we may be pretty sure we are in the right.

I do not dislike the French from the vulgar antipathy between neighboring nations, but for their insolent and unfounded air of superiority.

This world is a comedy to those that think, a tragedy to those that feel.

I do not admire politicians; but when they are excellent in their way, one cannot help allowing them their due.

Who has begun has half done. Have the courage to be wise. Begin!

How posterity will laugh at us, one way or other! If half a dozen break their necks, and balloonism is exploded, we shall be called fools for having imagined it could be brought to use: if it should be turned to account, we shall be ridiculed for having doubted.