The fantastical idea of virtue and the public good being a sufficient security to the state against the commission of crimes, which you say you have heard insisted on by some, I assure you was never mine.

A properly functioning democracy depends on an informed electorate.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse in any country. If it were, the laws would lose their effect, because it can always be pretended.

Religions are all alike- founded upon fables and mythologies.

It is rare that the public sentiment decides immorally or unwisely, and the individual who differs from it ought to distrust and examine well his own opinion.

By... [selecting] the youths of genius from among the classes of the poor, we hope to avail the State of those talents which nature has sown as liberally among the poor as the rich, but which perish without use if not sought for and cultivated.

If the measures which have been pursued are approved by the majority, it is the duty of the minority to acquiesce and conform.