The laws keep up their credit, not by being just, but because they are laws; 'tis the mystic foundation of their authority; they have no other, and it well answers their purpose. They are often made by fools; still oftener by men who, out of hatred to equality, fail in equity; but always by men, vain and irresolute authors.

Vice leaves repentance in the soul, like an ulcer in the flesh, which is always scratching and lacerating itself; for reason effaces all other griefs and sorrows, but it begets that of repentance.

God is favorable to those whom he makes to die by degrees; 'tis the only benefit of old age. The last death will be so much the less painful: it will kill but a quarter of a man or but half a one at most.

I aim here only at revealing myself, who will perhaps be different tomorrow, if I learn something new which changes me.

He who is not sure of his memory, should not undertake the trade of lying.

Natural inclinations are assisted and reinforced by education, but they are hardly ever altered or overcome.

There is not one of us that would not be worse than kings, if so continually corrupted as they are with a sort of vermin called flatterers.