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

All the citizens of a state cannot be equally powerful, but they may be equally free

The art of government is to make two-thirds of a nation pay all it possibly can pay for the benefit of the other third.

Monsieur l'abbé, I detest what you write, but I would give my life to make it possible for you to continue to write.

Nothing could be smarter, more splendid, more brilliant, better drawn up than two armies. Trumpets, fifes, hautboys, drums, cannons, formed a harmony such as never been heard in hell.

History is only the register of crimes and misfortunes.

One merit of poetry few persons will deny: it says more and in fewer words than prose.