Usurpers always bring about or select troublous times to get passed, under cover of the public terror, destructive laws, which the people would never adopt in cold blood. The moment chosen is one of the surest means of distinguishing the work of the legislator from that of the tyrant.

A man who is not a fool can rid himself of every folly except vanity.

Frequent punishments are always a sign of weakness or laziness on the part of a government.

Why should we build our happiness on the opinons of others, when we can find it in our own hearts?

I may not be better than other people, but at least I'm different.

The animals you eat are not those who devour others; you do not eat the carnivorous beasts, you take them as your pattern. You only hunger for the sweet and gentle creatures which harm no one, which follow you, serve you, and are devoured by you as the reward of their service.

We should not teach children the sciences; but give them a taste for them.