The primary function of government is to protect the minority of the opulent from the majority of the poor.

Rulers who wished to subvert the public liberty, may have found an established Clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just Government instituted to secure & perpetuate it needs them not.

This policy of supplying by opposite and rival interests, the defect of better motives, might be traced through the whole system of human affairs, both private and public.

The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.

The smaller the number and the more permanent and conspicuous the station of men in power, the stronger must be the interest which they will individually feel in whatever concerns the government.

One hundred and seventy-three despots would surely be as oppressive as one.

Government destitute of energy, will ever produce anarchy.