It is easy to criticize an author, but difficult to appreciate him.

The law cannot equalize mankind in spite of nature.

The common excuse for those bringing misfortune on others is that they desire their good.

We are dismayed when we find that even disaster cannot cure us of our faults.

Our errors and our controversies, in the sphere of morality, arise sometimes from looking on men as though they could be altogether bad, or altogether good.

Some authors regard morality in the same light as we regard modern architecture. Convenience is the first thing to be looked for.

Men despise great projects when they do not feel themselves capable of great successes.