In the infancy of societies, the chiefs of state shape its institutions; later the institutions shape the chiefs of state.

A love of the republic in a democracy is a love of the democracy, as the latter is that of equality. A love of the democracy is likewise that of frugality. Since every individual ought here to enjoy the same happiness, and the same advantages, they should consequently taste the same pleasures and form the same hopes, which cannot be expected but from a general frugality.

When a government lasts a long while, it deteriorates by insensible degrees. Republics end through luxury, monarchies through poverty.

The deterioration of every government begins with the decay of the principles on which it was founded.

Religious wars are not caused by the fact that there is more than one religion, but by the spirit of intolerance... the spread of which can only be regarded as the total eclipse of human reason.

The severity of the laws prevents their execution.

Do you think that God will punish them for not practicing a religion which he did not reveal to them?