Revolutions are effected in two ways, by force and by fraud.

Art completes what nature cannot bring to finish. The artist gives us knowledge of nature's unrealized ends.

Happiness, then, is co-extensive with contemplation, and the more people contemplate, the happier they are; not incidentally, but in virtue of their contemplation, because it is in itself precious. Thus happiness is a form of contemplation.

Every man should be responsible to others, nor should any one be allowed to do just as he pleases; for where absolute freedom is allowed, there is nothing to restrain the evil which is inherent in every man.

A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.

In the works of Nature, purpose, not accident, is the main thing.

In part, art completes what nature cannot elaborate; and in part it imitates nature.