But constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go.

Slavery, properly so called, is the establishment of a right which gives to one man such a power over another as renders him absolute master of his life and fortune.

There is as yet no liberty if the power of judging be not separated from legislative power and the executrix

The law of nations is naturally founded on this principle, that different nations ought in time of peace to do one another all the good they can, and in time of war as little injury as possible, without prejudicing their real interests.

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.

A rational army would run away.

Honor is unknown in despotic states.