“Better it is to say that the government most comfortable to nature is that which best agrees with the humor and disposition of the people in whose favor it is established.”

An injustice to one is a threat made to all

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.

Republics end through luxury; monarchies through poverty.

A really intelligent man feels what other men only know.

The less luxury there is in a republic, the more it is perfect.

It is rare to find learned men who are clean, do not stink and have a sense of humour.

I have never known any distress that an hour’s reading did not relieve.

Every man who has power is impelled to abuse it.

I like peasants-they are not sophisticated enough to reason speciously.

There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice.

The history of commerce is that of the communication of the people.

Republics are brought to their ends by luxury; monarchies by poverty.

If I knew something that would serve my country but would harm mankind, I would never reveal it; for I am a citizen of humanity first and by necessity, and a citizen of France second, and only by accident

I never listen to calumnies, because if they are untrue I run the risk of being deceived, and if they be true, of hating persons not worth thinking about.

I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should seem a fool, but be wise.

In the birth of societies it is the chiefs of states who give it its special character; and afterward it is this special character that forms the chiefs of state.

If I could pronounce the name James in any different or more elaborate way I should be in favor of doing it.

The confidence in another man’s virtue is no light evidence of a man’s own, and God willingly favors such a confidence.

If fortune favors you do not be elated; if she frowns do not despond.

If even dying is to be made a social function, then, grant me the favor of sneaking out on tiptoe without disturbing the party.

If you so choose, each day can be filled with even more joy than the one before. If you so choose, even the most seemingly random events can work in your favor.

I was very much in favor of the Iraq invasion.

In general, corruption tends to exist whenever governments have favors to extend, or something to sell.

I’m all in favour of free expression provided it’s kept rigidly under control.