Men will find that they can ... avoid far more easily the perils which beset them on all sides by united action.

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

Statesman are suspected of plotting against mankind, rather than consulting their interests, and are esteemed more crafty than learned.

It is usually the case with most men that their nature is so constituted that they pity those who fare badly and envy those who fare well.

It is sure that those are most desirous of honour or glory who cry out loudest of its abuse and the vanity of the world.

Only that thing is free which exists by the necessities of its own nature, and is determined in its actions by itself alone.

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.