Nobody is exempt from saying stupid things, the harm is to do it presumptuously.

I do not know whether I would not like much better to have produced one perfectly formed child by intercourse with the muses than by intercourse with my wife.

I enjoy books as misers enjoy treasures, because I know I can enjoy them whenever I please.

Nature should have been pleased to have made this age miserable, without making it also ridiculous.

Judgement holds in me a magisterial seat, at least it carefully tries to. It lets my feelings go their way, both hatred and friendship, even the friendship I bear myself, without being changed and corrupted by them.

The finest lives in my opinion are the common model, without miracle and without extravagance.

In my opinion, the most fruitful and natural play of the mind is conversation. I find it sweeter than any other action in life; and if I were forced to choose, I think I would rather lose my sight than my hearing and voice. The study of books is a drowsy and feeble exercise which does not warm you up.