If there were a people consisting of gods, they would be governed democratically. So perfect a government is not suitable to men.

The thirst after happiness is never extinguished in the heart of man.

Liberty is obedience to the law which one has laid down for oneself

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.

I may be no better, but at least I am different.

Our will is always for our own good, but we do not always see what that is; the people is never corrupted, but it is often deceived, and on such occasions only does it seem to will what is bad.

Every man has a right to risk his own life for the preservation of it.