We do not see nature with our eyes, but with our understandings and our hearts.

The most rational cure after all for the inordinate fear of death is to set a just value on life.

The greatest reverses of fortune are the most easily borne from a sort of dignity belonging to them.

There is a heroism in crime as well as in virtue. Vice and infamy have their altars and their religion.

Envy is a littleness of soul, which cannot see beyond a certain point, and if it does not occupy the whole space feels itself excluded.

Violence ever defeats its own ends. Where you cannot drive you can always persuade. A gentle word, a kind look, a god-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles. There is a secret pride in every human heart than revolts at tyranny. You may order and drive an individual, but you cannot make him respect you.

The slaves of power mind the cause they have to serve, because their own interest is concerned; but the friends of liberty always sacrifice their cause, which is only the cause of humanity, to their own spleen, vanity, and self-opinion.