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.

In every government there are three sorts of power: the legislative; the executive in respect to things dependent on the law of nations; and the executive in regard to matters that depend on the civil law.

The Christian religion is a stranger to mere despotic power. The mildness so frequently recommended in the Gospel is incompatible with the despotic rage.

Certain kinds of foolishness are such that a greater foolishness would be better.

Coffee renders many foolish people temporarily capable of wise actions

Injustice towards others is a threat to everybody

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.