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.

The spirit of commerce... renders every man willing to live on his own property...& prevents the growth of luxury.

The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.

An empire founded by war has to maintain itself by war.

Luxury ruins republics; poverty, monarchies.

Peace is a natural effect of trade.

Sometimes a man who deserves to be looked upon because he is a fool is despised only because he is a lawyer.