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

The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.

Or, rather, let us be more simple and less vain.

The social compact sets up among the citizens as equality of such kind, that they all bind themselves to observe the same conditions and should therefore all enjoy the same rights.

Not all the subtilties of metaphysics can make me doubt a moment of the immortality of the soul, and of a beneficent Providence. I feel it, I believe it, I desire it, I hope it, and will defend it to my last breath.

Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains. Those who think themselves the masters of others are indeed greater slaves than they.

There is not a single ill-doer who could not be turned to some good.