Religion has nothing more to fear than not being sufficiently understood.

Those who ought to be secure from calumny are generally those who avoid it least.

Can princes born in palaces be sensible of the misery of those who dwell in cottages?

In all sorts of government man is made to believe himself free, and to be in chains.

Gaiety is the soul's health; sadness is its poison.

Is it not astonishing that the love of repose keeps us in continual agitation?

I believe, indeed, that it is more laudable to suffer great misfortunes than to do great things.