"To prevent the executive power from being able to oppress, it is requisite that the armies with which it is entrusted should consist of the people, and have the same spirit as the people."

"Frequent punishments are a sign of weakness or indolence in the government."

"The state of monarchy is not like that of a despotism. In a monarchy, the prince is master of his subjects, but not of his laws."

"I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not assuage."

"Luxury is a necessity that is contrary to the general good."