"First ourselves, then the others: this is Nature's order of progression. Consequently, we must show no respect, no quarter for others as soon as they have shown that our misfortune or our ruin is the …"

"Yes, I am a libertine, I admit it freely. I have dreamed of doing everything that it is possible to dream of in that line. But I have certainly not done all the things I have dreamt of and never shall…"

"Nothing we can do outrages Nature directly. Our acts of destruction give her new vigour and feed her her energy, but none of our wreckings can weaken her power."

"I am a philosopher, and I have the right to think what I please."

"I have no respect for anything, and I fear nothing."