The corruption of the age is made up by the particular contribution of every individual man; some contribute treachery, others injustice, atheism, tyranny, avarice, cruelty, according to their power.

The laws of conscience, which we pretend to be derived from nature, proceed from Custom.

The secret counsels of princes are a troublesome burden to such as have only to execute them.

It is an absolute perfection... to get the very most out of one's individuality.

The beautiful souls are they that are universal, open, and ready for all things.

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.

It is no hard matter to get children; but after they are born, then begins the trouble, solicitude, and care rightly to train, principle, and bring them up.