The tyranny of the many would be when one body takes over the rights of others, and then exercises its power to change the laws in its favor.

Of all religions, the Christian should of course inspire the most tolerance, but until now Christians have been the most intolerant of all men.

Very learned women are to be found, in the same manner as female warriors; but they are seldom or ever inventors.

If you want to know who controls you, look at who you are not allowed to criticize.

The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us

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

I am convinced that everything has come down to us from the banks of the Ganges, astronomy, astrology, metempsychosis, etc. It does not behoove us, who were only savages and barbarians when these Indians and Chinese peoples were civilized and learned, to dispute their antiquity.