A nation may lose its liberties in a day and not miss them in a century.

The wickedness of mankind makes it necessary for the law to suppose them better than they really are.

Love of reading enables a man to exchange the weary hours, which come to every one, for hours of delight.

The state is the association of men, and not men themselves; the citizen may perish, and the man remain.

Passion makes us feel, but never see clearly.

It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption.

Human laws made to direct the will ought to give precepts, and not counsels.