The majority of a society is the true definition of the public.
Who drives fat oxen should himself be fat.
Cautious age suspects the flattering form, and only credits what experience tells.
Every state of society is as luxurious as it can be. Men always take the best they can get.
To be flattered is grateful, even when we know that our praises are not believed by those who pronounce them; for they prove, at least, our power, and show that our favour is valued, since it is purchased by the meanness of falsehood.
All theory is against free will; all experience is for it.