As soon as an opinion becomes common it is sufficient reason for men to abandon it and to uphold the opposite opinion until that in its turn grows old, and they require to distinguish themselves by other things. Thus if they attain their goal in some art or science, we must expect them soon to cast it aside to acquire some fresh fame, and this is partly the reason why the most splendid ages degenerate so quickly, and, scarcely emerged from barbarism, plunge into it again.

There are men who are happy without knowing it.

The conscience of the dying belies their life.

All erroneous ideas would perish of their own accord if given clear expression.

When we feel that we lack whatever is needed to secure someone else's esteem, we are very close to hating him

Ignorance is not lack of intelligence, nor knowledge a proof of genius.

Most people grow old within a small circle of ideas, which they have not discovered for themselves. There are perhaps less wrong-minded people than thoughtless.