There is still another inconvenieney in conquests made by democracies; their government is ever odious to the conquered states. It is apparently monarchical, but in reality it is more oppressive than monarchy, as the experience of all ages and countries evinces.

Liberty itself has appeared intolerable to those nations who have not been accustomed to enjoy it.

A prince who loves and fears religion is a lion who stoops to the hand that strokes or to the voice that appeases him. He who fears and hates religion is like the savage beast that growls and bites the chain, which prevents his flying on the passenger. He who has no religion at all is that terrible animal who perceives his liberty only when he tears in pieces, and when he devours.

Do you think that God will punish them for not practicing a religion which he did not reveal to them?

An author is a fool who, not content with boring those he lives with, insists on boring future generations.

There is hardly any grief that an hour's reading will not dissipate.

Luxury ruins republics; poverty, monarchies.