Men who look upon themselves born to reign, and others to obey, soon grow insolent; selected from the rest of mankind their minds are early poisoned by importance.

The Christian system of religion is an outrage on common sense.

Of all the tyrannies that affect mankind, tyranny in religion is the worst.

When extraordinary power and extraordinary pay are allotted to any individual in a government, he becomes the center, round which every kind of corruption generates and forms.

When all other rights are taken away, the right of rebellion is made perfect.

Change of ministers amounts to nothing. One goes out, another comes in, and still the same measures, vices, and extravagances are pursued. It signifies not who is minister. The defect lies in the system. The foundation and superstructure of the government is bad. Prop it as you please, it continually sinks and ever will.

The strength and power of despotism consists wholly in the fear of resistance.