philosophy Quotes

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.

Society is the union of men and not the men themselves.

We should weep for men at their birth, not at their death.

Peace is a natural effect of trade.

It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption.

The deterioration of a government begins almost always by the decay of its principles.

There are three species of government: republican, monarchical, and despotic.

False happiness renders men stern and proud, and that happiness is never communicated. True happiness renders them kind and sensible, and that happiness is always shared.

We must have constantly present in our minds the difference between independence and liberty. Liberty is a right of doing whatever the laws permit, and if a citizen could do what they forbid he would no longer be possessed of liberty.

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.