Our wretched species is so made that those who walk on the well-trodden path always throw stones at those who are showing a new road.

But for what purpose was the earth formed?" asked Candide. "To drive us mad," replied Martin.

Great men have all been formed either before academies or independent of them.

The first step, my son, which one makes in the world, is the one on which depends the rest of our days.

Never having been able to succeed in the world, he took his revenge by speaking ill of it.

Every one should be his own physician. We ought to assist, and not to force nature. Eat with moderation...Nothing is good for the body but what we can digest. What medicine can procure digestion? Exercise. What will recruit strength? Sleep.

Feeble verses are those which sin not against rules, but against genius.