[Moralistic] novels are at the same disadvantage as teachers: children never believe them, because they make everything that happens relate to the lesson at hand.

That past which is so presumptuously brought forward as a precedent for the present, was itself founded on some past that went before it.

The universe is in France; outside it, there is nothing.

Love is the symbol of eternity.

a perfect piece of architecture kindles that aimless reverie, which bears the soul we know not whither.

Only the refined and delicate pleasures that spring from research and education can build up barriers between different ranks.

The greatest happiness is to transform one's feelings into action.