Opinion is called the queen of the world; it is so, for when reason opposes it, it is condemned to death. It must rise twenty times from its ashes to gradually drive away the usurper.

But for what purpose was the earth formed?" asked Candide. "To drive us mad," replied Martin.

The greatest consolation in life is to say what one thinks.

It is as impossible to translate poetry as it is to translate music.

A good action is preferable to an argument.

You see, Mademoiselle, I have experience, I know the world. To pass the time, why don't you ask every passenger to tell you his life's story? And if there is a single one among them who has never cursed his life, who has not often told himself that he was the unhappiest of men, then you may throw me overboard, headfirst!

The fate of a nation has often depended upon the good or bad digestion of a prime minister.