It is one of the superstitions of the human mind to have imagined that virginity could be a virtue.

This agglomeration which was called and which still calls itself the Holy Roman Empire was neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire.

I have been a hundred times on the point of killing myself, but still was fond of life. This ridiculous weakness is perhaps one of our worst instincts. What can be more absurd than choosing to carry a burden that one really wants to throw to the ground? To detest, and yet to strive to preserve our existence? To caress the serpent that devours us, and hug him close to our bosoms till he has gnawed into our hearts?

Once the people begin to reason, all is lost

History is only the register of crimes and misfortunes.

We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation.

Of all religions, Christianity is without a doubt the one that should inspire tolerance most