The science of constructing a commonwealth, or renovating it, or reforming it, is, like every other experimental science, not to be taught a priori. Nor is it a short experience that can instruct us in that practical science, because the real effects of moral causes are not always immediate.

A great deal of the furniture of ancient tyranny is torn to rags; the rest is entirely out of fashion.

All human laws are, properly speaking, only declaratory; they may alter the mode and application, but have no power over the substance of original justice.

Economy is a distributive virtue, and consists not in saving but selection. Parsimony requires no providence, no sagacity, no powers of combination, no comparison, no judgment.

Beauty in distress is much the most affecting beauty.

Frugality is founded on the principal that all riches have limits.

Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other.