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

"The political liberty of the subject is a tranquility of mind, arising from the opinion each person has of his safety."

"The people are extremely fickle, and if they are not governed by strict laws, they will soon fall into anarchy."

"An empire founded by war has to maintain itself by war."

"Trade is the profession of a people who have renounced all other professions."