Two things, almost incompatible, are united in me in a manner which I am unable to understand: a very ardent temperament, lively and tumultuous passions, and, at the same time, slowly developed and confused ideas, which never present themselves until it is too late. One might say that my heart and my mind do not belong to the same person.

What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?

To live is not breathing it is action.

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.

The writings of women are always cold and pretty like themselves. There is as much wit as you may desire, but never any soul.

Once you teach people to say what they do not understand, it is easy enough to get them to say anything you like.

He who pretends to look upon death without fear, lies