[Instead] of inquiring why the Roman empire was destroyed, we should rather be surprised that it had subsisted so long.

It is the common calamity of old age to lose whatever might have rendered it desirable.

[Every age], however destitute of science or virtue, sufficiently abounds with acts of blood and military renown.

The inactivity of a conqueror betrays the loss of strength and blood . . .

The first and indispensable requisite of happiness is a clear conscience.

But the desire of obtaining the advantages, and of escaping the burdens, of political society, is a perpetual and inexhaustible source of discord.

Our toil is lessened, and our wealth is increased, by our dominion over the useful animals . . .