Sin cannot be conceived in a natural state, but only in a civil state, where it is decreed by common consent what is good or bad.

Things which are accidentally the causes either of hope or fear are called good or evil omens.

.... we are a part of nature as a whole, whose order we follow.

I would warn you that I do not attribute to nature either beauty or deformity, order or confusion. Only in relation to our imagination can things be called beautiful or ugly, well-ordered or confused.

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.

the ultimate aim of government is not to rule, or restrain by fear, nor to exact obedience, but to free every man from fear that he may live in all possible security... In fact the true aim of government is liberty.

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