There is no subjection so perfect as that which keeps the appearance of freedom.

It is unnatural for a majority to rule, for a majority can seldom be organized and united for specific action, and a minority can.

Interest is the spur of the people, but glory that of great souls.

Love childhood, indulge its sports, its pleasures, its delightful instincts. Who has not sometimes regretted that age when laughter was ever on the lips, and when the heart was ever at peace?

The political body, therefore, is also a moral being which has a will; and this general will, which tends always to the conservation and well-being of the whole and of each part of it ... is, for all members of the state ... the rule of what is just or unjust.

To try to conceal our own heart is a bad means to read that of others.

Our will is always for our own good, but we do not always see what that is; the people is never corrupted, but it is often deceived, and on such occasions only does it seem to will what is bad.