It is dangerous to tell the people that the laws are unjust; for they obey them only because they think them just. Therefore it isnecessary to tell them at the same time that they must obey them because they are laws, just as they must obey superiors, not because they are just, but because they are superiors. In this way all sedition is prevented.

To ridicule philosophy is really to philosophize.

The least movement is of importance to all nature. The entire ocean is affected by a pebble.

We run carelessly to the precipice, after we have put something before us to prevent us seeing it.

When we would think of God, how many things we find which turn us away from Him, and tempt us to think otherwise. All this is evil, yet it is innate.

It is right that what is just should be obeyed. It is necessary that what is strongest should be obeyed.

Those honor nature well, who teach that she can speak on everything...