We admit, in geometry, not only infinite magnitudes, that is to say, magnitudes greater than any assignable magnitude, but infinite magnitudes infinitely greater, the one than the other. This astonishes our dimension of brains, which is only about six inches long, five broad, and six in depth, in the largest heads.

I swear that, not being able to be yours, I will belong to no one.

A minister of state is excusable for the harm he does when the helm of government has forced his hand in a storm; but in the calm he is guilty of all the good he does not do.

I have seen men incapable of the sciences, but never any incapable of virtue.

How pleasant it is for a father to sit at his child's board. It is like an aged man reclining under the shadow of an oak which he has planted.

Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need.

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