True greatness consists in the use of a powerful understanding to enlighten oneself and others.

Change everything except your loves.

This self-love is the instrument of our preservation; it resembles the provision for the perpetuity of mankind: it is necessary, it is dear to us, it gives us pleasure, and we must conceal it.

All is but illusion and disaster.

Mortals are equal; their mask differs.

What a heavy burden is a name that has become too famous.

History consists of a series of accumulated imaginative inventions.