We don’t have enough time to premeditate our actions.
Obscurity is the realm of error.
Some of us would be greatly astonished to learn the reasons why others respect us.
Our virtues are dearer to us the more we have had to suffer for them. It is the same with our children. All profound affection admits a sacrifice.
Jealousy is the paralysis of love.
In order to do great things, it is necessary to live as if one was never to die.
If it is true that vice can never be done away with, the science of government consists of making it contribute to the public good.
Courage is adversity’s lamp.
We can console ourselves for not having great talents as we console ourselves for not having great places. We can be above both in our hearts.
Hope animates the wise, and lures the presumptuous and indolent who repose inconsiderately on her promises.
Hatred is keener than friendship, less keen than love.
A man who love only himself and his pleasures is vain, presumptuous, and wicked even from principle.
The character of false wit is that of appearing to depend only upon reason.
Wit does not take the place of knowledge.
As a house implies a builder, and a garment a weaver, and a door a carpenter, so does the existence of the Universe imply a Creator.
When we feel that we lack whatever is needed to secure someone else’s esteem, we are very close to hating him.
None are more liable to mistakes than those who act only on second thoughts.
To withdraw ourselves from the law of the strong, we have found ourselves obliged to submit to justice. Justice or might, we must choose between these two masters.
Every thought is new when an author expresses it in a manner peculiar to himself.
Glory fills the world with virtue, and, like a beneficent sun, covers the whole earth with flowers and with fruits.