In the birth of societies it is the chiefs of states who give it its special character; and afterward it is this special character that forms the chiefs of state.

A fondness for reading changes the inevitable dull hours of our life into exquisite hours of delight.

When the [law making] and [law enforcement] powers are united in the same person... there can be no liberty.

Honor sets all the parts of the body politic in motion, and by its very action connects them; thus each individual advances the public good, while he only thinks of promoting his own interest.

Raillery is a mode of speaking in favor of one's wit at the expense of one's better nature.

False happiness renders men stern and proud, and that happiness is never communicated. True happiness renders them kind and sensible, and that happiness is always shared.

When one wants to change manners and customs, one should not do so by changing the laws.