The deterioration of every government begins with the decay of the principles on which it was founded.

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.

Success in the majority of circumstances depends on knowing how long it takes to succeed.

When the [law making] and [law enforcement] powers are united in the same person... there can be no liberty.

Honor sets all the parts of the body politic in motion, and by its very action connects them; thus each individual advances the public good, while he only thinks of promoting his own interest.

Sometimes a man who deserves to be looked upon because he is a fool is despised only because he is a lawyer.