Most of my life has been one tragedy after another, most of which hasn't happened.

Secret griefs are more cruel than public calamities.

It is love; love, the comfort of the human species, the preserver of the universe, the soul of all sentient beings, love, tender love.

The best government is a benevolent tyranny tempered by an occasional assassination.

In every province, the chief occupations, in order of importance, are lovemaking, malicious gossip, and talking nonsense.

A physician is an unfortunate gentleman who is every day required to perform a miracle; namely to reconcile health with intemperance.

The man visited by ecstasies and visions, who takes dreams for realities is an enthusiast; the man who supports his madness with murder is a fanatic.