Ordinary readers, forgive my paradoxes: one must make them when one reflects; and whatever you may say, I prefer being a man with paradoxes than a man with prejudices.

The English people think they are free; they are greatly deceived; they are free only during the election of members of Parliament.

The tone of good conversation is brilliant and natural; it is neither tedious nor frivolous; it is instructive without pedantry, gay without tumultuousness, polished without affectation, gallant without insipidity, waggish without equivocation.

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

The people is never corrupted, but it is often deceived.

The infant, on opening his eyes, ought to see his country, and to the hour of his death never lose sight of it.

Universal silence is taken to imply the consent of the people.