In any case, frequent punishments are a sign of weakness or slackness in the government. There is no man so bad that he cannot be made good for something. No man should be put to death, even as an example, if he can be left to live without danger to society.

Do not base your life on the judgments of others; first, because they are as likely to be mistaken as you are, and further, because you cannot know that they are telling you their true thoughts.

I have never believed that man's freedom consisted in doing what he wants, but rather in never doing what he does not want to do.

At sixteen, the adolescent knows about suffering because he himself has suffered, but he barely knows that other beings also suffer.

I had been brought up in a church which decides everything and permits no doubts, so that having rejected one article of faith I was forced to reject the rest.

Liberty may be gained, but can never be recovered.

If there were a nation of Gods, it would govern itself democratically. A government so perfect is not suited to men.