Optimism is the madness of insisting that all is well when we are miserable.

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

But in this country it is necessary, now and then, to put one admiral to death in order to inspire the others to fight.

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.

I read only to please myself, and enjoy only what suits my taste.

I hold firmly to my original views. After all I am a philosopher.

Secret griefs are more cruel than public calamities.