"The law, in its majestic equality, forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets, and steal loaves of bread."

"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."

"When a man is flattered, he is often made to believe that he is greater than he is."

"In a state of nature, indeed, all men are born equal, but they cannot continue in this equality."