If anyone conceives that he is loved by another, and believes that he has given no cause for such love, he will love that other in return.

Reality and perfection are synonymous.

Nature offers nothing that can be called this man's rather than another's; but under nature everything belongs to all.

In regard to intellect and true virtue, every nation is on a par with the rest, and God has not in these respects chosen one people rather than another.

Happiness is not the reward of virtue, but is virtue itself; nor do we delight in happiness because we restrain from our lusts; but on the contrary, because we delight in it, therefore we are able to restrain them.

Better that right counsels be known to enemies than that the evil secrets of tyrants should be concealed from the citizens. They who can treat secretly of the affairs of a nation have it absolutely under their authority; and as they plot against the enemy in time of war, so do they against the citizens in time of peace.

I can control my passions and emotions if I can understand their nature