Tyrants seldom want pretexts.

By hating vices too much, they come to love men too little.

Freedom and not servitude is the cure of anarchy; as religion, and not atheism, is the true remedy of superstition.

It is an advantage to all narrow wisdom and narrow morals that their maxims have a plausible air; and, on a cursory view, appear equal to first principles. They are light and portable. They are as current as copper coin; and about as valuable.

Whilst shame keeps its watch, virtue is not wholly extinguished in the heart; nor will moderation be utterly exiled from the minds of tyrants.

The only training for the heroic is the mundane.

All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.