There is no folly of which a man who is not a fool cannot get rid except vanity; of this nothing cures a man except experience of its bad consequences, if indeed anything can cure it.

He who pretends to look on death without fear lies. All men are afraid of dying, this is the great law of sentient beings, without which the entire human species would soon be destroyed.

Liberty may be gained, but can never be recovered.

Ordinary readers, forgive my paradoxes: one must make them when one reflects; and whatever you may say, I prefer being a man with paradoxes than a man with prejudices.

I prefer liberty with danger than peace with slavery.

There is no subjection so perfect as that which keeps the appearance of freedom.

The strongest is never strong enough to be always the master, unless he transforms strength into right, and obedience into duty.