It may be said that it is with our thoughts as with our flowers. Those whose expression is simple carry their seed with them; those that are double by their richness and pomp charm the mind, but produce nothing.

The lively phraseology of Montesquieu was the result of long meditation. His words, as light as wings, bear on them grave reflections.

When credulity comes from the heart it does no harm to the intellect.

Good impulses are naught, unless they become good actions.

Man is born with the faculty of speech. Who gives it to him? He who gives the bird its song.

The dregs may stir themselves as they please; they fall back to the bottom by their own coarseness.

Tenderness is the rest of passion.