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.

As soon as man enters into a state of society he loses the sense of his weakness; equality ceases, and then commences the state of war.

There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice.

Passion makes us feel, but never see clearly.

A really intelligent man feels what other men only know.

Oh, how empty is praise when it reflects back to its origin!

Knowledge humanizes mankind, and reason inclines to mildness; but prejudices eradicate every tender disposition.