As someone whose book deals extensively with the Marquis de Sade, I’m always surprised when I find quotes I haven’t run across before. Today this little delight:

“All, all is theft, all is unceasing and rigorous competition in nature; the desire to make off with the substance of others is the foremost – the most legitimate – passion nature has bred into us and, without doubt, the most agreeable one.”

“Make off with the substance of others” feels like a particularly lovely turn of phrase.