Whatever is fitted in any sort to excite the ideas of pain and danger, that is to say, whatever is in any sort terrible, or is conversant about terrible objects, or operates in a manner analogous to terror, is a source of the sublime; that is, it is productive of the strongest emotion which the mind is capable of feeling... When danger or pain press too nearly, they are incapable of giving any delight, and are simply terrible; but at certain distances, and with certain modifications, they may be, and they are, delightful, as we every day experience.

The most favourable laws can do very little towards the happiness of people when the disposition of the ruling power is adverse to them.

Good company, lively conversation, and the endearments of friendship fill the mind with great pleasure.

Freedom without virtue is not freedom but license to pursue whatever passions prevail in the intemperate mind; man's right to freedom being in exact proportion to his willingness to put chains upon his own appetites; the less restraint from within, the more must be imposed from without.

It is hard to say whether doctors of law or divinity have made the greater advances in the lucrative business of mystery.

To drive men from independence to live on alms, is itself great cruelty.

All the forces of darkness need to succeed ... is for the people to do nothing.