The pagan religion, which prohibited only some of the grosser crimes, and which stopped the hand but meddled not with the heart, might have crimes that were inexplicable.

Study has been for me the sovereign remedy against all the disappointments of life. I have never known any trouble that an hour's reading would not dissipate.

When virtue is banished, ambition invades the minds of those who are disposed to receive it and avarice possesses the whole community.

In the state of nature... all men are born equal, but they cannot continue in this equality. Society makes them lose it, and they recover it only by the protection of the law.

Love of the republic in a democracy, is a love of the democracy; love of the democracy is that of equality. Love of the democracy is likewise that of frugality.

I shall ever repeat it, that mankind are governed not by extremes, but by principals of moderation.

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