The more a man knows, the more he forgives.

What right can give anyone authority to inflict torture upon a citizen when it is still unknown whether he is innocent or guilty?

it is better to inspire a reform than to enforce it.

Power without a nation's confidence is nothing.

You should know our mania for building is stronger than ever. It is a diabolical thing. It consumes money and the more you build, the more you want to build. It's a sickness like being addicted to alcohol.

[On Peter III:] He did not have a bad heart; but a weak man usually has not.

self-interest usually brings injustice with it.