There is some shadow of delight and delicacy which smiles upon and flatters us even in the very lap of melancholy.

In order always to learn something from others (which is the finest school there can be), I observe in my travels this practice: I always steer those with whom I talk back to the things they know best.

The public weal requires that men should betray, and lie, and massacre.

As soon as women become ours we are no longer theirs.

There is no virtue which does not rejoice a well-descended nature; there is a kind of I know not what congratulation in well-doing, that gives us an inward satisfaction, and a certain generous boldness that accompanies a good conscience.

In truth, knowledge is a great and very useful quality; those who despise it give evidence enough of their stupidity. Yet I do not set its value at that extreme measure that some attribute to it.

Natural inclinations are assisted and reinforced by education, but they are hardly ever altered or overcome.