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.

An author is a fool who, not content with boring those he lives with, insists on boring future generations.

If I knew something that would serve my country but would harm mankind, I would never reveal it; for I am a citizen of humanity first and by necessity, and a citizen of France second, and only by accident

What cowardice it is to be dismayed by the happiness of others and devastated by there good fortune.

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

Power ought to serve as a check to power.

Honor is unknown in despotic states.