Cruelty in all countries is the companion of anger; but there is only one, and never was another on the globe, where she coquets both with anger and mirth.

The Siren waits thee, singing song for song.

We listen to those whom we know to be of the same opinion as ourselves, and we call them wise for being of it; but we avoid such as differ from us.

The flame of anger, bright and brief, sharpens the barb of love.

The most pernicious of absurdities is that weak, blind, stupid faith is better than the constant practice of every human virtue.

States, like men, have their growth, their manhood, their decrepitude, their decay.

We enter our studies, and enjoy a society which we alone can bring together. We raise no jealousy by conversing with one in preference to another; we give no offence to the most illustrious by questioning him as long as we will, and leaving him as abruptly. Diversity of opinion raises no tumult in our presence: each interlocutor stands before us, speaks or is silent, and we adjourn or decide the business at our leisure.