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.

All other knowledge is hurtful to him who has not honesty and good-nature

God is favorable to those whom he makes to die by degrees; 'tis the only benefit of old age. The last death will be so much the less painful: it will kill but a quarter of a man or but half a one at most.

Reason has so many forms that we do not know which to choose-Experiment has no fewer.

Persons of mean understandings, not so inquisitive, nor so well instructed, are made good Christians, and by reverence and obedience, implicity believe, and abide by their belief.

It is putting a very high price on one's conjectures to have someone roasted alive on their account.

A little of everything and nothing thoroughly, after the French fashion.