I think we cannot too strongly attack superstition, which is the disturber of society; nor too highly respect genuine religion, which is the support of it.

Equality, because without it there can be no liberty.

Everything made by man may be destroyed by man; there are no ineffaceable characters except those engraved by nature; and nature makes neither princes nor rich men nor great lords.

For, as I think I have said, I can only meditate when I am walking. When I stop I cease to think; my mind only works with my legs.

Whoever refuses to obey the general will will be forced to do so by the entire body; this means merely that he will be forced to be free.

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

What, then, is the government? An intermediary body established between the subjects and the sovereign for their mutual communication, and charged with the execution of the laws and the maintenance of freedom, civil as well as political.