The source of every crime, is some defect of the understanding; or some error in reasoning; or some sudden force of the passions. Defect in the understanding is ignorance; in reasoning, erroneous opinion.

Subjects have no greater liberty in a popular than in a monarchial state. That which deceives them is the equal participation of command.

That wee have of Geometry, which is the mother of all Naturall Science, wee are not indebted for it to the Schools.

He that is taken and put into prison or chains is not conquered, though overcome; for he is still an enemy.

In a Democracy, look how many Demagogs that is how many powerful Orators there are with the people.

So that in the nature of man, we find three principal causes of quarrel. First, competition; secondly, diffidence; thirdly, glory. The first maketh men invade for gain; the second, for safety; and the third, for reputation. The first use violence, to make themselves masters of other men's persons, wives, children, and cattle; the second, to defend them; the third, for trifles, as a word, a smile, a different opinion, and any other sign of undervalue, either direct in their persons or by reflection in their kindred, their friends, their nation, their profession, or their name.

A man cannot lay down the right of resisting them that assault him by force, to take away his life.