The severity of the laws prevents their execution.

In the birth of societies it is the chiefs of states who give it its special character; and afterward it is this special character that forms the chiefs of state.

In the infancy of societies, the chiefs of state shape its institutions; later the institutions shape the chiefs of state.

Nature is just to all mankind, and repays them for their industry. She renders them industrious by annexing rewards in proportion to their labor.

Republics come to an end by luxurious habits; monarchies by poverty.

Liberty is the right to do what the law permits.

Liberty... is there only when there is no abuse of power.