Many errors, of a truth, consist merely in the application of the wrong names of things.

Those who are believed to be most abject and humble are usually most ambitious and envious.

A free man, who lives among ignorant people, tries as much as he can to refuse their benefits. .. He who lives under the guidance of reason endeavours as much as possible to repay his fellow's hatred, rage, contempt, etc. with love and nobleness.

Men are mistaken in thinking themselves free; their opinion is made up of consciousness of their own actions, and ignorance of the causes by which they are determined.

In the state of nature, wrong-doing is impossible ; or, if anyone does wrong, it is to himself, not to another.

If slavery, barbarism and desolation are to be called peace, men can have no worse misfortune.

Happiness is a virtue, not its reward.