The prejudices of superstition are superior to all others, and have the strongest influence on the human mind.

The wickedness of mankind makes it necessary for the law to suppose them better than they really are.

Slowness is frequently the cause of much greater slowness.

To succeed in the world we must look foolish but be wise.

In the state of nature... all men are born equal, but they cannot continue in this equality. Society makes them lose it, and they recover it only by the protection of the law.

The Christian religion is a stranger to mere despotic power. The mildness so frequently recommended in the Gospel is incompatible with the despotic rage.

When a government lasts a long while, it deteriorates by insensible degrees. Republics end through luxury, monarchies through poverty.