I would not like to see a person who is sober, moderate, chaste and just say that there is no God. They would speak disinterestedly at least, but such a person is not to be found.

Genius and great abilities are often wanting; sometimes, only opportunities. Some deserve praise for what they have done; others for what they would have done.

It is virtue which should determine us in the choice of our friends, without inquiring into their good or evil fortune.

The State not seldom tolerates a comparatively great evil to keep out millions of lesser ills and inconveniences which otherwise would be inevitable and without remedy.

Eloquence is to the sublime what the whole is to the part.

The same vices which are huge and insupportable in others we do not feel in ourselves.

The spendthrift robs his heirs the miser robs himself.