Avoid singularity. There may often be less vanity in following the new modes than in adhering to the old ones. It is true that the foolish invent them, but the wise may conform to, instead of contradicting, them.

Men must be either the slaves of duty, or the slaves of force.

Nothing which does not transport is poetry. The lyre is a winged instrument.

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

God multiplies intelligence, which communicates itself, like fire, ad infinitum. Light a thousand torches at one touch, the flame remains always the same.

It would be next to impossible to discover a handsome woman who was not also a vain woman.

Contempt for private wrongs was one of the features of ancient morals.