There are three species of government: republican, monarchical, and despotic.

As virtue is necessary in a republic, and honor in a monarchy, fear is what is required in a despotism. As for virtue, it is not at all necessary, and honor would be dangerous there.

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

Slowness is frequently the cause of much greater slowness.

The false notion of miracles comes of our vanity, which makes us believe we are important enough for the Supreme Being to upset nature on our behalf.

The history of commerce is that of the communication of the people.

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.