It is not because we have been free, but because we have a right to be free, that we ought to demand freedom. Justice and liberty have neither birth nor race, youth nor age.

The feminine graces of Madame de Sevigne's genius are exquisitely charming; but the philosophy and eloquence of Madame de Stael are above the distinction of sex.

Diffused knowledge immortalizes itself.

Praise is the symbol which represents sympathy, and which the mind insensibly substitutes for its recollection and language.

Every fiction since Homer has taught friendship, patriotism, generosity, contempt of death. These are the highest virtues; and the fictions which taught them were therefore of the highest, though not of unmixed, utility.

Men are never so good or so bad as their opinions.

Whatever is popular deserves attention.