I listen with attention to the judgment of all men; but so far as I can remember, I have followed none but my own.

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 .

The human face is a weak guarantee; yet it deserves some consideration. And if I had to whip the wicked, I would do so more severely to those who belied and betrayed the promises that nature had implanted on their brows; I would punish malice more harshly when it was hidden under a kindly appearance.

To divert myself from a troublesome fancy, it is but to run to my books; they presently fix me to them, and drive the other out of my thoughts, and do not mutiny to see that I have only recourse to them for want of other more, real, natural, and lively conveniences; they always receive me with the same kindness.

We may so seize on virtue, that if we embrace it with an overgreedy and violent desire, it may become vicious.

To philosophize is nothing else than to prepare oneself for death.

All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.