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.

Liberty is the right to do what the law permits.

The English are busy; they don't have time to be polite.

Do you think that God will punish them for not practicing a religion which he did not reveal to them?

Political liberty is to be found only in moderate governments.

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

If we only wanted to be happy, it would be easy; but we want to be happier than other people, and that is almost always difficult, since we think them happier than they are.