In every government there are three sorts of power: the legislative; the executive in respect to things dependent on the law of nations; and the executive in regard to matters that depend on the civil law.

The public business must be carried on with a certain motion, neither too quick nor too slow.

An injustice committed against anyone is a threat to everyone.

Lunch kills half of Paris, supper the other half.

The English are busy folk; they have no time in which to be polite.

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.

Nature is just to all mankind, and repays them for their industry. She renders them industrious by annexing rewards in proportion to their labor.