“I start out by believing the worst”

“The herd seek out the great, not for their sake but for their influence; and the great welcome them out of vanity or need.”

“The great mass of society are far from being depraved; for if a large majority were criminal or inclined to break the laws, where would the force or power be to prevent or constrain them? And herein is the real blessing of civilization, because this happy result has its origin in her bosom, growing out of her very nature.”

“Able was I ere I saw Elba”

“I have seen only yoU, I have admired only yoU, I desire only You”

“What is a throne? — a bit of wood gilded and covered in velvet. I am the state— I alone am here the representative of the people. Even if I had done wrong you should not have reproached me in public—people wash their dirty linen at home. France has more need of me than I of France.”

“A cowardly act! What do I care about that? You may be sure that I should never fear to commit one if it were to my advantage.”