Weakness may excite tenderness, and gratify the arrogant pride of man; but the lordly caresses of a protector will not gratify a noble mind that pants for, and deserves to be respected. Fondness is a poor substitute for friendship.

The more equality there is established among men, the more virtue and happiness will reign in society.

A modest man is steady, an humble man timid, and a vain one presumptuous.

People thinking for themselves have more energy in their voice, than any government, which it is possible for human wisdom to invent; and every government not aware of this sacred truth will, at some period, be suddenly overturned.

It is the preservation of the species, not of individuals, which appears to be the design of Deity throughout the whole of nature.

... wealth and female softness equally tend to debase mankind!

Executions, far from being useful examples to the survivors, have, I am persuaded, a quite contrary effect, by hardening the heart they ought to terrify. Besides, the fear of an ignominious death, I believe, never deterred anyone from the commission of a crime, because in committing it the mind is roused to activity about present circumstances.