It is ordained in the eternal constitution of things, that men of intemperate minds cannot be free. Their passions forge their fetters.

The liberty I mean is social freedom. It is that state of things in which liberty is secured by the equality of restraint. A constitution of things in which the liberty of no one man, and no body of men, and no number of men, can find means to trespass on the liberty of any person, or any description of persons, in the society. This kind of liberty is, indeed, but another name for justice.

The same sun which gilds all nature, and exhilarates the whole creation, does not shine upon disappointed ambition.

Poetry is the art of substantiating shadows, and of lending existence to nothing.

All men have equal rights, but not to equal things.

A perfect democracy is therefore the most shameless thing in the world.

The most important of all revolutions, a revolution in sentiments, manners and moral opinions.