Luxury ruins republics; poverty, monarchies.

An injustice committed against anyone is a threat to everyone.

There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice.

Peace is a natural effect of trade.

Experience constantly proves that every man who has power is impelled to abuse it; he goes on till he is pulled up by some limits. Who would say it! virtue even has need of limits.

When virtue is banished, ambition invades the minds of those who are disposed to receive it and avarice possesses the whole community.

The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.