The science of constructing a commonwealth or renovating it, or reforming it, is...not to be taught a priori...That which in the first instance is prejudicial may be excellent in its remoter operation, and its excellence may rise even from the ill effects it produces in the beginning. The reverse also happens; and very plausible schemes, with very pleasing commencements, have often shameful and lamentable conclusions.

Superstition is the religion of feeble minds.

The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion.

Next to love, Sympathy is the divinest passion of the human heart.

The question is not whether you have a right to render people miserable, but whether it is not in your best interest to make them happy.

Genuine simplicity of heart is a healing and cementing principle.

There is a boundary to men's passions when they act from feelings; but none when they are under the influence of imagination.