If all were perfect Christians, individuals would do their duty; the people would be obedient to the laws, the magistrates incorrupt, and there would be neither vanity nor luxury in such a state.

Reason deceives us; conscience, never.

All through life a man has need of a counsellor and guide.

We should not teach children the sciences; but give them a taste for them.

The strength of the people is effective only if it is concentrated; it evaporates and is lost when it is dispersed, just as gunpowder scattered on the ground ignites only grain by grain.

There is no evildoer who could not be made good for something.

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