To be capable of respect is almost as rare as to be worthy of it.

Reason is a bee, and exists only on what it makes; his usefulness takes the place of beauty.

Today there are no more irreconcilable enmities, because there are no more disinterested emotions: that's a good thing born from a bad thing.

Of the two, I prefer those who render vice lovable to those who degrade virtue.

Innocence is always unsuspicious.

National literature begins with fables and ends with novels.

Children need models rather than critics.