If there were a people consisting of gods, they would be governed democratically. So perfect a government is not suitable to men.

Those that are most slow in making a promise are the most faithful in the performance of it.

The truth brings no man a fortune.

Do not base your life on the judgments of others; first, because they are as likely to be mistaken as you are, and further, because you cannot know that they are telling you their true thoughts.

There exists one book, which, to my taste, furnishes the happiest treatise of natural education. What then is this marvelous book? Is it Aristotle? Is it Pliny, is it Buffon? No-it is Robinson Crusoe.

That which renders life burdensome to us generally arises from the abuse of it.

Absolute silence leads to sadness. It is the image of death.