I never did a single wise thing in the whole course of my existence, although I have written many which have been thought so.

All schools of philosophy, and almost all authors, are rather to be frequented for exercise than for weight.

There is no easy path leading out of life, and few are the easy ones that lie within it.

Everything that looks to the future elevates human nature.

Immoderate power, like other intemperance, leaves the progeny weaker and weaker, until nature as in compassion covers it with her mantle and it is seen no more.

Whatever is worthy to be loved for anything is worthy of preservation. A wise and dispassionate legislator, if any such should ever arise among men, will not condemn to death him who has done or is likely to do more service than injury to society. Blocks and gibbets are the nearest objects with legislators, and their business is never with hopes or with virtues.

I never did a single wise thing in the whole course of my existence, although I have written many which have been thought so.