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

I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should seem a fool, but be wise.

Sometimes a man who deserves to be looked upon because he is a fool is despised only because he is a lawyer.

Each particular society begins to feel its strength, whence arises a state of war between different nations.

Vanity is as advantageous to a government as pride is dangerous. To be convinced of this we need only represent, on the one hand,the numberless benefits which result from vanity, as industry, the arts, fashions, politeness, and taste; and on the other, the infinite evils which spring from the pride of certain nations, a laziness, poverty, a total neglect of everything.

Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.

Men should be bewailed at their birth, and not at their death.