It is not the opinions or the vices of private individuals that are harmful to the State, but rather the behavior of public figures.
Marquis de SadeAre not laws dangerous which inhibit the passions? Compare the centuries of anarchy with those of the strongest legalism in any country you like and you will see that it is only when the laws are silent that the greatest actions appear.
Marquis de SadeCrime is to the passions what nervous fluid is to life: it sustains them, it supplies their strength.
Marquis de SadeIf the objects who serve us feel ecstacy, they are much more often concerned with themselves than with us, and our own enjoyment is consequently impaired. The idea of seeing another person experience the same pleasure reduces one to a kind of equality which spoils the unutterable charms that come from despotism.
Marquis de Sade