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

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.

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.

We must have constantly present in our minds the difference between independence and liberty. Liberty is a right of doing whatever the laws permit, and if a citizen could do what they forbid he would no longer be possessed of liberty.

To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.

What orators lack in depth they make up for in length.

There are three species of government: republican, monarchical, and despotic.