I've already told you: the only way to a woman's heart is along the path of torment. I know none other as sure.

In order to know virtue, we must first acquaint ourselves with vice.

All, all is theft, all is unceasing and rigorous competition in nature; the desire to make off with the substance of others is the foremost - the most legitimate - passion nature has bred into us and, without doubt, the most agreeable one.

Variety, multiplicity are the two most powerful vehicles of lust.

Happiness lies only in that which excites, and the only thing that excites is crime.

So long as the laws remain such as they are today, employ some discretion: loud opinion forces us to do so; but in privacy and silence let us compensate ourselves for that cruel chastity we are obliged to display in public.

The completest submissiveness is your lot, and that is all.