The problem is to find a form of association which will defend and protect with the whole common force the person and goods of each associate, and in which each, while uniting himself with all, may still obey himself alone, and remain as free as before.

Religious persecutors are not believers, they are rascals.

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

A citizen should render to the state all the services he can as soon as the sovereign demands them.

No one is happy unless he respects himself.

Usurpers always bring about or select troublous times to get passed, under cover of the public terror, destructive laws, which the people would never adopt in cold blood. The moment chosen is one of the surest means of distinguishing the work of the legislator from that of the tyrant.

If there wasn't a God we would have to invent one to keep people sane.