That anyone who possesses power has a tendency to abuse it is an eternal truth. They tend to go as far as the barriers will allow.

The less luxury there is in a republic, the more it is perfect.

Virtue in a republic is the love of one's country, that is the love of equality.

If we only wanted to be happy, it would be easy; but we want to be happier than other people, and that is almost always difficult, since we think them happier than they are.

A man who writes well writes not as others write, but as he himself writes; it is often in speaking badly that he speaks well.

Liberty is the right of doing whatever the laws permit.

It is unreasonable ... to oblige a man not to attempt the defense of his own life.