[A] military force was collected in Europe, formidable by their arms and numbers, if the generals had understood the science of command, and the soldiers the duty of obedience.

The progress of manufactures and commerce insensibly collects a large multitude within the walls of a city: but these citizens are no longer soldiers; and the arts which adorn and improve the state of civil society, corrupt the habits of the military life.

There are two very natural propensities which we may distinguish in the most virtuous and liberal dispositions, the love of pleasure and the love of action. If the former is refined by art and learning, improved by the charms of social intercourse, and corrected by a just regard to economy, to health, and to reputation, it is productive of the greatest part of the happiness of private life.

But the wisdom and authority of the legislator are seldom victorious in a contest with the vigilant dexterity of private interest.

Every man who rises above the common level has received two educations: the first from his teachers; the second, more personal and important, from himself.

I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect.

Style is the image of character.