Being unable to make people more reasonable, I preferred to be happy away from them

Shun idleness. It is rust that attaches itself to the most brilliant metals.

A multitude of laws in a country is like a great number of physicians, a sign of weakness and malady.

History should be written as philosophy.

What is toleration? It is the prerogative of humanity. We are all steeped in weaknesses and errors: Let us forgive one another's follies, it is the first law of nature.

Tyrants have always some slight shade of virtue; they support the laws before destroying them.

Every man can educate himself. It's shameful to put one's mind into the hands of those whom you wouldn't entrust with your money. Dare to think for yourself.