Abstract truth is the eye of reason.

Presence of mind, penetration, fine observation, are the sciences of women; ability to avail themselves of these is their talent.

Everything made by man may be destroyed by man; there are no ineffaceable characters except those engraved by nature; and nature makes neither princes nor rich men nor great lords.

In a well governed state, there are few punishments, not because there are many pardons, but because criminals are rare; it is when a state is in decay that the multitude of crimes is a gaurantee of impunity.

Consolation indiscreetly pressed upon us, when we are suffering undue affliction, only serves to increase our pain, and to render our grief more poignant.

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

One may live tranquilly in a dungeon; but does life consist in living quietly?