Where the subject lies so far beyond our reach, the difference between the highest and the lowest of human understandings may indeed be calculated as infinitely small; yet the degree of weakness may perhaps be measured by the degree of obstinacy and dogmatic confidence.

History has scarcely deigned to notice [Libius Severus's] birth, his elevation, his character, or his death.

[Every] hour of delay abates the fame and force of the invader, and multiplies the resources of defensive war.

During the games of the Circus, he had, imprudently or designedly, performed the manumission of a slave in the presence of the consul. The moment he was reminded that he had trespassed on the jurisdiction of another magistrate, he condemned himself to pay a fine of ten pounds of gold, and embraced this public occasion of declaring to the world that he was subject, like the rest of his fellow-citizens, to the laws, and even to the forms, of the republic.

The most worthless of mankind are not afraid to condemn in others the same disorders which they allow in themselves; and can readily discover some nice difference in age, character, or station, to justify the partial distinction.

The mathematics are distinguished by a particular privilege, that is, in the course of ages, they may always advance and can never recede.

The laws of a nation form the most instructive portion of its history