People in their natural state are basically good. But this natural innocence,however, is corrupted by the evils of society.

In truth, laws are always useful to those with possessions and harmful to those who have nothing; from which it follows that the social state is advantageous to men only when all possess something and none has too much.

Peter had a genius for imitation; but he lacked true genius, which is creative and makes all from nothing.

Never exceed your rights, and they will soon become unlimited.

One may live tranquilly in a dungeon; but does life consist in living quietly?

I bold it impossible, that the great monarchies of Europe can subsist much longer; they all affect magnificence and splendor.

The world is the book of women. Whatever knowledge they may possess is more commonly acquired by observation than by reading.