It is far more important to resist apathy than anarchy or despotism, for apathy can give rise, almost indifferently, to either one.

Society is endangered not by the great profligacy of a few, but by the laxity of morals amongst all.

When I refuse to obey an unjust law, I do not contest the right of the majority to command, but I simply appeal from the sovereignty of the people to the sovereignty of mankind.

everybody feels the evil, but no one has courage or energy enough to seek the cure

Comfort becomes a goal when distinctions of rank are abolished and privileges destroyed.

Nothing seems at first sight less important than the outward form of human actions, yet there is nothing upon which men set more store: they grow used to everything except to living in a society which has not their own manners.

The genius of democracies is seen not only in the great number of new words introduced but even more in the new ideas they express.