“Although born in a prosperous realm, we did not believe that its boundaries should limit our knowledge, and that the lore of the East should alone enlighten us.”
“As soon as man enters into a state of society he loses the sense of his weakness equality ceases, and then commences the state of war.”
“But constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go.”
“There are three species of government: republican, monarchical, and despotic.”
“Men, who are rogues individually, are in the mass very honorable people.”
“The law of nations is naturally founded on this principle, that different nations ought in time of peace to do one another all the good they can, and in time of war as little injury as possible, without prejudicing their real interests.”
“When the body of the people is possessed of the supreme power, it is called a democracy.”
“Power ought to serve as a check to power.”
“Religious wars are not caused by the fact that there is more than one religion, but by the spirit of intolerance... the spread of which can only be regarded as the total eclipse of human reason.”
“Do you think that God will punish them for not practicing a religion which he did not reveal to them?”
“People here argue about religion interminably, but it appears that they are competing at the same time to see who can be the least devout.”
“Society is the union of men and not the men themselves.”
“Each particular society begins to feel its strength, whence arises a state of war between different nations.”