Friendship has its illusions no less than love.

There is no such thing as "natural law": this expression is nothing but old nonsense... Prior to laws, what is natural is only the strength of the lion, or the need of the creature suffering from hunger or cold, in short, need.

Our true passions are selfish.

A man who is half an idiot, but who keeps a sharp lookout and acts prudently all his life, often enjoys the pleasure of triumphing over men of more imagination than he

Napoleon was indeed the man sent by God to help the youth of France! Who is to take his place?

It is from cowardice and not from want of enlightenment that we do not read in our own hearts.

Pleasure is often spoiled by describing it.