Which is more dangerous: fanaticism or atheism? Fanaticism is certainly a thousand times more deadly; for atheism inspires no bloody passion whereas fanaticism does; atheism is opposed to crime and fanaticism causes crimes to be committed.

To caress the serpent that devours us, until it has eaten away our heart.

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

By appreciation, we make excellence in others our own property.

Man can have only a certain number of teeth, hair and ideas; there comes a time when he necessarily loses his teeth, hair and ideas.

Common sense is both more rare and more desirable in leaders than mere intelligence.

History is a pack of lies we play on the dead.