I find every sect, as far as reason will help them, make use of it gladly: and where it fails them, they cry out, It is a matter of faith, and above reason.

I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.

We should have a great fewer disputes in the world if words were taken for what they are, the signs of our ideas only, and not for things themselves.

There is frequently more to be learned from the unexpected questions of a child than the discourses of men.

Thirdly, the supreme power cannot take from any man any part of his property without his own consent: for the preservation of property being the end of government, and that for which men enter into society, it necessarily supposes and requires, that the people should have property, without which they must be supposed to lose that, by entering into society, which was the end for which they entered into it; too gross an absurdity for any man to own.

Children (nay, and men too) do most by example.

All mankind... being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions.