We all look for happiness, but without knowing where to find it: like drunkards who look for their house, knowing dimly that they have one.

Superstition is to religion what astrology is to astronomy the mad daughter of a wise mother. These daughters have too long dominated the earth.

When a man is in love, jealous, and just whipped by the Inquisition, he is no longer himself.

Fools have a habit of believing that everything written by a famous author is admirable. For my part I read only to please myself and like only what suits my taste.

The effervescence of this fresh wine reveals the true brilliance of the French people.

Despite the enormous quantity of books, how few people read! And if one reads profitably, one would realize how much stupid stuff the vulgar herd is content to swallow every day.

Chess is a game which reflects most honor on human wit.