But what all the violence of the feudal institutions could never have effected, the silent and insensible operation of foreign commerce and manufactures gradually brought about.

It is not very unreasonable that the rich should contribute to the public expense, not only in proportion to their revenue, but something more than in that proportion.

A merchant, it has been said very properly, is not necessarily the citizen of any particular country.

In this consists the difference between the character of a miser and that of a person of exact economy and assiduity. The one is anxious about small matters for their own sake; the other attends to them only in consequence of the scheme of life which he has laid down to himself.

An instructed and intelligent people are always more decent and orderly than an ignorant and stupid one.

Consumption is the sole end and purpose of all production.

We are but one of the multitude, in no respect better than any other in it.