To try to conceal our own heart is a bad means to read that of others.

As soon as any man says of the affairs of the State "What does it matter to me?" the State may be given up for lost.

If there is in this world a well-attested account, it is that of vampires. Nothing is lacking: official reports, affidavits of well-known people, of surgeons, of priests, of magistrates; the judicial proof is most complete. And with all that, who is there who believes in vampires?

To study men, we must look close by; to study man, we must learn to look afar; if we are to discover essential characteristics, we must first observe differences.

People in their natural state are basically good. But this natural innocence,however, is corrupted by the evils of society.

Gracefulness cannot subsist without ease; delicacy is not debility; nor must a woman be sick in order to please. Infirmity, and sickness may excite our pity, but desire and pleasure require the bloom and vigor of health.

He thinks like a philosopher, but governs like a king.