Our will is always for our own good, but we do not always see what that is; the people is never corrupted, but it is often deceived, and on such occasions only does it seem to will what is bad.

As evening approached, I came down from the heights of the island, and I liked then to go and sit on the shingle in some secluded spot by the lake; there the noise of the waves and the movement of the water, taking hold of my senses and driving all other agitation from my soul, would plunge me into delicious reverie in which night often stole upon me unawares.

Whoever refuses to obey the general will will be forced to do so by the entire body; this means merely that he will be forced to be free.

The world is the book of women. Whatever knowledge they may possess is more commonly acquired by observation than by reading.

Happiness: a good bank account, a good cook, and a good digestion.

To endure is the first thing that a child ought to learn, and that which he will have the most need to know.

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