Extreme distress, which unites the virtue of a free people, imbitters the factions of a declining monarchy.

The manly pride of the Romans, content with substantial power, had left to the vanity of the East the forms and ceremonies of ostentatious greatness. But when they lost even the semblance of those virtues which were derived from their ancient freedom, the simplicity of Roman manners was insensibly corrupted by the stately affectation of the courts of Asia.

[Peace] cannot be honorable or secure, if the sovereign betrays a pusillanimous aversion to war.

To an active mind, indolence is more painful than labor.

History, in fact, is no more than a list of the crimes of humanity, human follies and accidents

There is nothing perhaps more adverse to nature and reason than to hold in obedience remote countries and foreign nations, in opposition to their inclination and interest.

Language is the leading principle which unites or separates the tribes of mankind.