Every man who has power is impelled to abuse it.

Better it is to say that the government most comfortable to nature is that which best agrees with the humor and disposition of the people in whose favor it is established.

When one wants to change manners and customs, one should not do so by changing the laws.

Slowness is frequently the cause of much greater slowness.

Peace is a natural effect of trade.

Knowledge humanizes mankind, and reason inclines to mildness; but prejudices eradicate every tender disposition.

Society is the union of men and not the men themselves.