But I am mistaken in speaking of a Christian republic; the terms are mutually exclusive. Christianity preaches only servitude and dependence. Its spirit is so favorable to tyranny that it always profits by such a regime. True Christians are made to be slaves, and they know it and do not much mind; this short life counts for too little in their eyes.

Peter had a genius for imitation; but he lacked true genius, which is creative and makes all from nothing.

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.

One thinks himself the master of others, and still remains a greater slave than they.

Many men, seemingly impelled by fortune, hasten forward to meet misfortune half way.

The writings of women are always cold and pretty like themselves. There is as much wit as you may desire, but never any soul.

Government originated in the attempt to find a form of association that defends and protects the person and property of each with the common force of all.