The French, for example, are a contemptible nation.

Free people, remember this maxim: we may acquire liberty, but it is never recovered if it is once lost.

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

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.

Reading, solitude, idleness, a soft and sedentary life, intercourse with women and young people, these are perilous paths for a young man, and these lead him constantly into danger.

Laws are always useful to those who possess and vexatious to those who have nothing.

Our greatest misfortunes come to us from ourselves.