The most evident token and apparent sign of true wisdom is a constant and unconstrained rejoicing.

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

Whenever a new discovery is reported to the world, they say first, It is probably not true, Then after, when the truth of the new proposition has been demonstrated beyond question, they say, Yes, it may be true, but it is not important. Finally, when sufficient time has elapsed to fully evidence its importance, they say, Yes, surely it is important, but it is no longer new.

Praise is always pleasing, let it come from whom, or upon what account it will.

The thing in the world I am most afraid of is fear.

I never rebel so much against France as not to regard Paris with a friendly eye; she has had my heart since my childhood... I love her tenderly, even to her warts and her spots. I am French only by this great city: the glory of France, and one of the noblest ornaments of the world.

Marriage is like a cage; one sees the birds outside desperate to get in, and those inside equally desperate to get out.