History is but the record of crimes and misfortunes. L'histoire n'est que le tableau des crimes et des malheurs

Even in those cities which seem to enjoy the blessings of peace, and where the arts florish, the inhabitants are devoured by envy, cares and anxieties, which are greater plagues than any expirienced in a town when it is under siege.

One of the chief misfortunes of honest people is that they are cowardly.

Fame is a heavy burden.

Friendship is the marriage of the soul, and this marriage is liable to divorce.

Everything I see about me is sowing the seeds of a revolution that is inevitable, though I shall not have the pleasure of seeing it. The lightning is so close at hand that it will strike at the first chance, and then there will be a pretty uproar. The young are fortunate, for they will see fine things.

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.