"The common people have no history: persecuted by the present, they cannot think of preserving the memory of the past."

"Let us turn elsewhere, to the wasps and bees, who unquestionably come first in the laying up of a heritage for their offspring."

"We have within us, from the start, that which will distinguish us from the vulgar herd."

"Without feeling abashed by my ignorance, I confess that I am absolutely unable to say. In the absence of an appearance of learning, my answer has at least one merit, that of perfect sincerity."