Having lots of ideas doesn’t mean you’re clever, any more than having lots of soldiers means you’re a good general. - Nicolas Chamfort

Few people are prepared to use their reason without fear or favor, or bold enough to apply it relentlessly to every moral, political and social issue: to kings and ministers, to men in high places, to the philosophers, to absolutely every scientific and artistic principle. And if we don't, we're doomed to remain mediocre.

The public is governed as it reasons; its own prerogative is foolish speech and that of its governors is foolish action.

L'ambition prend aux petites âmes plus facilement qu'aux grandes, comme le feu prend plus aisément à la paille, aux chaumières qu'aux palais.