Decency, not to dare to do that in public which it is decent enough to do in private.

Not being able to govern events, I govern myself, and apply myself to them if they will not apply themselves to me.

The pleasantest things in the world are pleasant thoughts, and the great art of life is to have as many of them as possible.

I determine nothing; I do not comprehend things; I suspend judgment; I examine.

We perceive no charms that are not sharpened, puffed out, and inflated by artifice. Those which glide along naturally and simply easily escape a sight so gross as ours.

How often our involuntary facial motions testify to the thoughts we were keeping secret, and betray us to those around!

Not because Socrates said so, but because it is in truth my own disposition — and perchance to some excess — I look upon all men as my compatriots, and embrace a Pole as a Frenchman, making less account of the national than of the universal and common bond.