Few men have been admired of their familiars.

Is it not a noble farce, wherein kings, republics, and emperors have for so many ages played their parts, and to which the whole vast universe serves for a theatre?

There is a huge gulf between the man who follows the conventions and laws of his country and the man who sets out to regiment them and to change them.

There is little less trouble in governing a private family than a whole kingdom.

The most fruitful and natural exercise for our minds is, in my opinion, conversation.

Of the opinions of philosophy I most gladly embrace those that are most solid, that is to say, most human and most our own; my opinions, in conformity with my conduct, are low and humble.

It is an absolute perfection and virtually divine to know how to enjoy our being rightfully.