Better it is to say that the government most comfortable to nature is that which best agrees with the humor and disposition of the people in whose favor it is established.

There is only one thing that can form a bond between men, and that is gratitude... we cannot give someone else greater power over us than we have ourselves.

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.

Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.

The laws do not take upon them to punish any other than overt acts.

What cowardice it is to be dismayed by the happiness of others and devastated by there good fortune.

To love to read is to exchange hours of ennui for hours of delight.