Virtue is a state of war, and to live in it we have always to combat with ourselves.

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.

The majesty of the Scriptures strikes me with admiration, as the purity of the gospel has its influence on my heart.

Men speak from knowledge, women from imagination.

Temperance and labor are the two best physicians of man; labor sharpens the appetite, and temperance prevents from indulging to excess

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.

The English are predisposed to pride, the French to vanity.