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.

...when the laws have ceased to be executed, as this can only come from the corruption of the republic, the state is already lost.

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

Liberty is the right to do what the law permits.

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

If one only wished to be happy, this could be easily accomplished; but we wish to be happier that other people, and this is always difficult, for we believe others to be happier than they are. you are comparing your lot with an ideal which is of course better and therefore you feel worse

I have read descriptions of Paradise that would make any sensible person stop wanting to go there.