Law in general is human reason, inasmuch as it governs all the inhabitants of the earth: the political and civil laws of each nation ought to be only the particular cases in which human reason is applied.

It is unreasonable ... to oblige a man not to attempt the defense of his own life.

Love of reading enables a man to exchange the weary hours, which come to every one, for hours of delight.

The English are busy; they don't have time to be polite.

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

I have ever held it as a maxim never to do that through another which it was impossible for me to execute myself

A prince who loves and fears religion is a lion who stoops to the hand that strokes or to the voice that appeases him. He who fears and hates religion is like the savage beast that growls and bites the chain, which prevents his flying on the passenger. He who has no religion at all is that terrible animal who perceives his liberty only when he tears in pieces, and when he devours.