As virtue is necessary in a republic, and honor in a monarchy, fear is what is required in a despotism. As for virtue, it is not at all necessary, and honor would be dangerous there.

The state is the association of men, and not men themselves; the citizen may perish, and the man remain.

A fondness for reading changes the inevitable dull hours of our life into exquisite hours of delight.

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

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.

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

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