Voltaire

Opinion has caused more trouble on this little earth than plagues or earthquakes.

Our country is that spot to which our heart is bound.

In every author let us distinguish the man from his works.

One merit of poetry few persons will deny: it says more and in fewer words than prose.

To the wicked, everything serves as pretext.

Very often, say what you will, a knave is only a fool.

Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.

Those that are little, little things suit.

The first thing a great person does, is make us realize the insignificance of circumstance.

When we get to wishing a great deal for ourselves, whatever we get soon turns into mere limitation and exclusion.

Have good trust in yourself … not in the One that you think you should be, but in the One that you are.

To have in general but little feeling, seems to be the only security against feeling too much on any particular occasion.

A graceful and pleasing figure is a perpetual letter of recommendation.

Understanding is a two-way street.

Pride is seldom delicate; it will please itself with very mean advantages.

Choose the life that is most useful, and habit will make it the most agreeable.

Martyrdom is the only way a man can become famous without ability.

Real love begins when nothing is expected in return.

At the end of the day, life is about being happy being who you are.

To be candid, in Middlemarch phraseology, meant, to use an early opportunity of letting your friends know that you did not take a cheerful view of their capacity, their conduct, or their position; and a robust candor never waited to be asked for its opinion.

The man who writes about himself and his own time is the only man who writes about all people and about all time.