As soon as the land of any country has all become private property, the landlords, like all other men, love to reap where they never sowed, and demand a rent even for its natural produce.

That the chance of gain is naturally over-valued, we may learn from the universal success of lotteries.

The tolls for the maintenance of a high road, cannot with any safety be made the property of private persons.

It is the highest impertinence and presumption, therefore, in kings and ministers to pretend to watch over the economy of private people, and to restrain their expense. They are themselves, always, and without any exception, the greatest spendthrifts in the society.

It seldom happens, however, that a great proprietor is a great improver.

The first thing you have to know is yourself. A man who knows himself can step outside himself and watch his own reactions like an observer.

Wherever there is great property there is great inequality. For one very rich man there must be at least five hundred poor, and the affluence of the few supposes the indigence of the many. The affluence of the rich excites the indignation of the poor, who are often both driven by want, and prompted by envy, to invade his possessions.