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

Love of reading enables a man to exchange the weary hours, which come to every one, for hours of delight.

Political liberty in a citizen is that tranquillity of spirit which comes from the opinion each one has of his security, and in order for him to have this liberty the government must be such that one citizen cannot fear another citizen.

I acknowledge that history is full of religious wars: but we must distinguish; it is not the multiplicity of religions which has produced these wars; it was the intolerating spirit which animated that one which thought she had the power of governing.

Political liberty is to be found only in moderate governments.

It is always the adventurers who do great things, not the sovereigns of great empires.

Human laws made to direct the will ought to give precepts, and not counsels.