The members of a body-politic call it "the state" when it is passive, "the sovereign" when it is active, and a "power" when they compare it with others of its kind. Collectively they use the title "people," and they refer to one another individually as "citizens" when speaking of their participation in the authority of the sovereign, and as "subjects" when speaking of their subordination to the laws of the state.

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

Ordinary readers, forgive my paradoxes: one must make them when one reflects; and whatever you may say, I prefer being a man with paradoxes than a man with prejudices.

No man has any natural authority over his fellow men.

I bold it impossible, that the great monarchies of Europe can subsist much longer; they all affect magnificence and splendor.

A man who is not a fool can rid himself of every folly except vanity.

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