Liberty is a need felt by a small class of people whom nature has endowed with nobler minds than the mass of men;.... Consequently, it may be repressed with impunity. Equality, on the other hand, pleases the masses.

The only conquests that are permanent and leave no regrets are our conquests over ourselves.

Ambition never is in a greater hurry that I; it merely keeps pace with circumstances and with my general way of thinking.

What is the future? What is the past? What are we? What is the magic fluid that surrounds us and conceals the things we most need to know? We live and die in the midst of marvels.

How many seemingly impossible things have been accomplished by resolute men because they had to do, or die?

Suicide is a crime the most revolting to the feelings; nor does any reason suggest itself to our understanding by which it can be justified. It certainly originates in that species of fear which we denominate poltroonery. For what claim can that man have to courage who trembles at the frowns of fortunes? True heroism consists in being superior to the ills of life in whatever shape they may challenge him to combat.

There is no place in a fanatic's head where reason can enter.