There is an astonishing imagination, even in the science of mathematics. ... We repeat, there was far more imagination in the head of Archimedes than in that of Homer.

Despite the enormous quantity of books, how few people read! And if one reads profitably, one would realize how much stupid stuff the vulgar herd is content to swallow every day.

Virtue debases itself in justifying itself.

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

Men must have somewhat altered the course of nature; for they were not born wolves, yet they have become wolves. God did not give them twenty-four-pounders or bayonets, yet they have made themselves bayonets and guns to destroy each other. In the same category I place not only bankruptcies, but the law which carries off the bankrupts’ effects, so as to defraud their creditors.

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

Let us read, and let us dance — these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.