It is clear that in a monarchy, where he who commands the exceution of the laws generally thinks himself above them, there is lessneed of virtue than in a popular government, where the person entrusted with the execution of the laws is sensible of his being subject to their direction.

Although born in a prosperous realm, we did not believe that its boundaries should limit our knowledge, and that the lore of the East should alone enlighten us.

When virtue is banished, ambition invades the minds of those who are disposed to receive it and avarice possesses the whole community.

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

In republican governments, men are all equal; equal they are also in despotic governments: in the former, because they are everything; in the latter, because they are nothing.

Liberty is the right to do what the law permits.

Christianity stamped its character on jurisprudence; for empire has ever a connection with the priesthood.