It is easier to conquer than to administer. With enough leverage, a finger could overturn the world; but to support the world, one must have the shoulders of Hercules.

Gratitude is a duty which ought to be paid, but which none have a right to expect.

Force does not constitute right... obedience is due only to legitimate powers.

Do not base your life on the judgments of others; first, because they are as likely to be mistaken as you are, and further, because you cannot know that they are telling you their true thoughts.

We pity in others only the those evils which we ourselves have experienced.

In any case, frequent punishments are a sign of weakness or slackness in the government. There is no man so bad that he cannot be made good for something. No man should be put to death, even as an example, if he can be left to live without danger to society.

The English people think they are free; they are greatly deceived; they are free only during the election of members of Parliament.