We are intelligent beings: intelligent beings cannot have been formed by a crude, blind, insensible being: there is certainly some difference between the ideas of Newton and the dung of a mule. Newton's intelligence, therefore, came from another intelligence

What would constitute useful history? That which should teach us our duties and our rights, without appearing to teach them.

Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.

Indeed, history is nothing more than a tableau of crimes and misfortunes.

Individual misfortunes give rise to the general good; so that the more individual misfortunes exist, the more all is fine.

The Jews are of all peoples the grosses, the most ferocious, the most fanatical, and the most absurd.

The ancients recommended us to sacrifice to the Graces, but Milton sacrificed to the Devil.