How many books there are whose reputation is made that would not obtain it were it now to make?

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

Maxims are to the intellect what laws are to actions; they do not enlighten, but they guide and direct, and, although themselves blind, are protective.

There are single thoughts that contain the essence of a whole volume, single sentences that have the beauties of a large work.

Words become luminous when the poet's finger has passed over them its phosphorescence.

It is always our inabilities that vex us.

Good maxims are the germs of all excellence.