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.

He who has a true idea, knows at that same time that he has a true idea, nor can he doubt concerning the truth of the thing.

We can always get along better by reason and love of truth than by worry of conscience and remorse...we should strive to keep worry from our life.

Surely human affairs would be far happier if the power in men to be silent were the same as that to speak.

The supreme mystery of despotism, its prop and stay, is to keep men in a state of deception, and with the specious title of religion to cloak the fear by which they must be held in check, so that they will fight for their servitude as if for salvation.

There is no fear without some hope, and no hope without some fear.

Only free men are thoroughly grateful one to another.