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

There should be weeping at a man's birth, not at his death.

Brutes are deprived of the high advantages which we have; but they have some which we have not. They have not our hopes, but theyare without our fears; they are subject like us to death, but without knowing it; even most of them are more attentive than we to self-preservation, and do not make so bad a use of their passions.

As men are affected in all ages by the same passions, the occasions which bring about great changes are different, but the causes are always the same.

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

There are only two cases in which war is just: first, in order to resist the aggression of an enemy, and second, in order to help an ally who has been attacked.

The spirit of commerce... renders every man willing to live on his own property...& prevents the growth of luxury.