The abilities of man must fall short on one side or the other, like too scanty a blanket when you are abed. If you pull it upon your shoulders, your feet are left bare; if you thrust it down to your feet, your shoulders are uncovered.

The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security.

Better fare hard with good men than feast it with bad.

There is something absurd in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.

To be nobly wrong is more manly than to be meanly right.

It is from our enemies that we often gain excellent maxims, and are frequently surprised into reason by their mistakes.

Universal empire is the prerogative of a writer. His concerns are with all mankind, and though he cannot command their obedience,he can assign them their duty. The Republic of Letters is more ancient than monarchy, and of far higher character in the world than the vassal court of Britain.