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

Every modulated sound is not a song, and every voice that executes a beautiful air does not sing. Singing should enchant. But to produce this effect there must be a quality of soul and voice which is by no means common even with great singers.

Ask the young. They know everything.

He who cannot see the beautiful side is a bad painter, a bad friend, a bad lover; he cannot lift his mind and his heart so high as goodness.

We shall always keep a spare corner in our heads to give passing hospitality to our friends' opinion.

Never be sad for what is over, just be glad it was once yours. Kindness is loving people more than they deserve.

Never cut what you can untie.