The most regular and most perfect soul in the world has but too much to do to keep itself upright from being overthrown by its own weakness.

Truly it is reasonable to make a great distinction between the faults that come from our weakness and those that come from our wickedness.

It is probable that the principal credit of miracles, visions, enchantments, and such extraordinary occurrences comes from the power of imagination, acting principally upon the minds of the common people, which are softer.

When I express my opinions it is so as to reveal the measure of my sight not the measure of the thing.

Writing does not cause misery. It is born of misery.

'Tis the sharpness of our mind that gives the edge to our pains and pleasures.

Que sçais-je?" (What do I know?)