The truths of religion are never so well understood as by those who have lost the power of reason.

You see, Mademoiselle, I have experience, I know the world. To pass the time, why don't you ask every passenger to tell you his life's story? And if there is a single one among them who has never cursed his life, who has not often told himself that he was the unhappiest of men, then you may throw me overboard, headfirst!

It is not love that should be depicted as blind, but self-love.

Language is a very difficult thing to put into words.

The most genuine and efficacious charity is that which greases the paws of the priests; such charity covers a multitude of sins.

Men are in general so tricky, so envious, and so cruel that when we find one who is only weak, we are too happy.

Every abuse ought to be reformed, unless the reform is more dangerous than the abuse itself.