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

Experience constantly proves that every man who has power is impelled to abuse it; he goes on till he is pulled up by some limits. Who would say it! virtue even has need of limits.

Each particular society begins to feel its strength, whence arises a state of war between different nations.

As men are affected in all ages by the same passions, the occasions which bring about great changes are different, but the causes are always the same.

Brutes are deprived of the high advantages which we have; but they have some which we have not. They have not our hopes, but theyare without our fears; they are subject like us to death, but without knowing it; even most of them are more attentive than we to self-preservation, and do not make so bad a use of their passions.

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

A nation may lose its liberties in a day and not miss them in a century.