The necessity of saying something, the embarrassment produced by the consciousness of having nothing to say, and the desire to exhibit ability, are three things sufficient to render even a great man ridiculous.

Fools admire everything in an author of reputation.

Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too.

Answer me, you who believe that animals are only machines. Has nature arranged for this animal to have all the machinery of feelings only in order for it not to have any at all?

In every province, the chief occupations, in order of importance, are lovemaking, malicious gossip, and talking nonsense.

Atheism is the vice of a few intelligent people.

But there must be some pleasure in condemning everything--in perceiving faults where others think they see beauties.' 'You mean there is pleasure in having no pleasure.