We are all instruments endowed with feeling and memory. Our senses are so many strings that are struck by surrounding objects and that also frequently strike themselves.

Power acquired by violence is only a usurpation, and lasts only as long as the force of him who commands prevails over that of those who obey.

There is only one passion, the passion for happiness.

There is no moral precept that does not have something inconvenient about it.

Watch out for the fellow who talks about putting things in order! Putting things in order always means getting other people under your control.

Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it.

The infant runs toward it with its eyes closed, the adult is stationary, the old man approaches it with his back turned.

We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by little at a truth we find bitter.

The general interest of the masses might take the place of the insight of genius if it were allowed freedom of action.

The best mannered people make the most absurd lovers.