False happiness renders men stern and proud, and that happiness is never communicated. True happiness renders them kind and sensible, and that happiness is always shared.

I never listen to calumnies, because if they are untrue I run the risk of being deceived, and if they be true, of hating persons not worth thinking about.

As virtue is necessary in a republic, and honor in a monarchy, fear is what is required in a despotism. As for virtue, it is not at all necessary, and honor would be dangerous there.

Power ought to serve as a check to power.

Christianity stamped its character on jurisprudence; for empire has ever a connection with the priesthood.

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

The spirit of moderation should also be the spirit of the lawgiver.