There never were, in the world, two opinions alike, no more than two hairs, or two grains; the most universal quality is diversity.

Men throw themselves on foreign assistances to spare their own, which, after all, are the only certain and sufficient ones.

In his commerce with men I mean him to include- and that principally- those who live only in the memory of books. By means of history he will frequent those great souls of former years. If you want it to be so, history can be a waste of time; it can also be, if you want it to be so, a study bearing fruit beyond price.

My reason is not framed to bend or stoop: my knees are.

Peoples nurtured on freedom and self-government judge any other form of polity to be deformed and unnatural. Those who are used to monarchy do the same .

All opinions in the world agree in this, that pleasure is our end, although they differ as to the means of attaining it.

Excellent memories are often coupled with feeble judgments.