I have not the hope of being immortal, because the desire of it has not given me that vanity.

The good of the people must be the great purpose of government. By the laws of nature and of reason, the governors are invested with power to that end. And the greatest good of the people is liberty. It is to the state what health is to the individual.

What is a monster? A being whose survival is incompatible with the existing order.

My ideas are my whores.

In any country where talent and virtue produce no advancement, money will be the national god. Its inhabitants will either have to possess money or make others believe that they do. Wealth will be the highest virtue, poverty the greatest vice.

I feel, I think, I judge; therefore, a part of organized matter like me is capable of feeling, thinking, and judging.

Only the bad man is alone.