If I knew something that would serve my country but would harm mankind, I would never reveal it; for I am a citizen of humanity first and by necessity, and a citizen of France second, and only by accident

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

The spirit of moderation should also be the spirit of the lawgiver.

Power should be a check on power.

It is requisite the government be so constituted as one man need not be afraid of another.

The coffee is prepared in such a way that it makes those who drink it witty: at least there is not a single soul who, on quitting the house, does not believe himself four times wittier that when he entered it.

[The Pope] will make the king believe that three are only one, that the bread he eats is not bread... and a thousand other things of the same kind.