The heart of man is made to reconcile the most glaring contradictions.

But, historians, and even common sense, may inform us, that, however specious these ideas of perfect equality may seem, they are really, at bottom, impracticable; and were they not so, would be extremely pernicious to human society. Render possessions ever so equal, men's different degrees of art, care, and industry will immediately break that equality. Or if you check these virtues, you reduce society to the most extreme indigence; and instead of preventing want and beggary in a few, render it unavoidable to the whole community.

Absolute monarchy,... is the easiest death, the true Euthanasia of the BRITISH constitution.

[priests are] the pretenders to power and dominion, and to a superior sanctity of character, distinct from virtue and good morals.

It is not reason which is the guide of life, but custom.

It seems certain, that though a man, in a flush of humour, after intense reflection on the many contradictions and imperfections of human reason, may entirely renounce all belief and opinion, it is impossible for him to persevere in this total scepticism, or make it appear in his conduct for a few hours.

All power, even the most despotic, rests ultimately on opinion.