Sovereigns always see with pleasure a taste for the arts of amusement and superfluity, which do not result in the exportation of bullion, increase among their subjects. They very well know that, besides nourishing that littleness of mind which is proper to slavery, the increase of artificial wants only binds so many more chains upon the people.

People who know little are usually great talkers, while men who know much say little.

Inopportune consolations increase a deep sorrow.

When a man dies he clutches in his hands only that which he has given away during his lifetime.

Abstract truth is the eye of reason.

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.

A paralyzed man who wants to walk OR an agile man who does not want to walk will both remain neutral in nature.