As men are affected in all ages by the same passions, the occasions which bring about great changes are different, but the causes are always the same.

I acknowledge that history is full of religious wars: but we must distinguish; it is not the multiplicity of religions which has produced these wars; it was the intolerating spirit which animated that one which thought she had the power of governing.

An injustice committed against anyone is a threat to everyone.

Great commanders write their actions with simplicity; because they receive more glory from facts than from words.

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.

To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.

The harshest tyranny is that which acts under the protection of legality and the banner of justice.