Patriotism ruins history.

People who think honestly and deeply have a hostile attitude towards the public.

The passions are like those demons with which Afrasahiab sailed down the Orus. Our only safety consists in keeping them asleep. If they we are lost.

Passions are vices or virtues to their highest powers.

I am amazed to see how deliberately I have entangled myself step by step. To have seen my position so clearly, and yet to have acted so like a child!

Marriage is the beginning and pinnacle of civilization.

The important thing is not to know more than all men, but to know more at each moment than any particular man.