It may cost me twenty thousand francs; but for twenty thousand francs, I will have the right to rail against the iniquity of humanity, and to devote to it my eternal hatred.

It is a folly second to none; to try to improve the world.

The most effective way of attacking vice is to expose it to public ridicule. People can put up with rebukes but they cannot bear being laughed at: they are prepared to be wicked but they dislike appearing ridiculous.

We are easily duped by those we love.

Consistency is only suitable for ridicule.

Nearly all men die of their medicines, not of their diseases.

I would like to be like my father and all the rest of my ancestors who never married.