If 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.

It is not the opinions or the vices of private individuals that are harmful to the State, but rather the behavior of public figures.

If 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.

Fear not lest precautions and protective contrivances diminish your pleasure: mystery only adds thereto.

I've been to Hell. You've only read about it.

Social order at the expense of liberty is hardly a bargain.

I don't know what the heart is, not I: I only use the word to denote the mind's frailties.