If it is true that vice can never be done away with, the science of government consists of making it contribute to the public good.

It is proof of a narrow mind when things worthy of esteem are distinguished from things worthy of love. Great minds naturally love whatever is worthy of their esteem.

The character of false wit is that of appearing to depend only upon reason.

We can console ourselves for not having great talents as we console ourselves for not having great places. We can be above both in our hearts.

The mind is the soul's eye, not its source of power. That lies in the heart, in other words, in the passions.

He who knows how to suffer everything can dare everything.

The most absurd and reckless aspirations have sometimes led to extraordinary success.