Laws were most numerous when the commonwealth was most corrupt

The sciences throw an inexpressible grace over our compositions, even where they are not immediately concerned; as their effects are discernible where we least expect to find them.

No one in Germany laughs at vice, nor do they call it the fashion to corrupt and to be corrupted.

Every recreant who proved his timidity in the hour of danger, was afterwards boldest in words and tongue.

In all things there is a law of cycles.

Benefits received are a delight to us as long as we think we can requite them; when that possibility is far exceeded, they are repaid with hatred instead of gratitude.

Secure against the designs of men, secure against the malignity of the Gods, they have accomplished a thing of infinite difficulty; that to them nothing remains even to be wished.