We understand death only after it has placed its hands on someone we love.

It is obvious that the most despotic forms of social organization would be suitable for inert men who are satisfied with the situation fate has placed them in, and that the most abstract form of democratic theory would be practicable among sages guided only by their reason. The only problem is to what degree it is possible to excite or to contain the passions without endangering public happiness.

I never was able to believe in the existence of next year except as in a metaphysical notion.

[Ridicule] laughs at all those who see the earnestness of life and who still believe in true feelings and in serious thought ... It soils the hope of youth. Only shameless vice is above its reach.

The desire of the man is for the woman, but the desire of the woman is for the desire of the man.

The mind's pleasures are made to calm the tempests of the heart.

To be totally understanding makes one very indulgent.