History is only the pattern of silken slippers descending the stairs to the thunder of hobnailed boots climbing upward from below.

The superfluous is very necessary.

In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one class of citizens to give to another.

It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.

It must be confessed that the inventors of the mechanical arts have been much more useful to men than the inventors of syllogisms.

Alas...I too have known love, that ruler of hearts, that soul of our soul: it's never brought me anything except one kiss and twenty kicks in the rump. How could such a beautiful cause produce such an abominable effect on you?

Dare to think for yourself.