The majority of men are more capable of great actions than of good ones.

If I knew of something that could serve my nation but would ruin another, I would not propose it to my prince, for I am first a man and only then a Frenchman... because I am necessarily a man, and only accidentally am I French.

Mediocrity is a hand-rail.

The alms given to a naked man in the street do not fulfil the obligations of the state, which owes to every citizen a certain subsistence, a proper nourishment, convenient clothing, and a kind of life not incompatible with health.

It is difficult for the united states to be all of equal power and extent.

Europe is a state with several provinces

The severity of the laws prevents their execution.