It requires only two things to win credit for a miracle: a mountebank and a number of silly women.

The idea of God is the sole wrong for which I cannot forgive mankind.

Conversation, like certain portions of the anatomy, always runs more smoothly when lubricated.

The ultimate triumph of philosophy would be to cast light upon the mysterious ways in which Providence moves to achieve the designs it has for man.

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

Man's natural character is to imitate; that of the sensitive man is to resemble as closely as possible the person whom he loves. It is only by imitating the vices of others that I have earned my misfortunes.

The impossibility of outraging nature is the greatest anguish man can know.