In every deed of mischief he had a heart to resolve, a head to contrive, and a hand to execute.

The inactivity of a conqueror betrays the loss of strength and blood.

The frequent repetition of miracles serves to provoke, where it does not subdue, the reason of mankind.

Agriculture is the foundation of manufactures, since the productions of nature are the materials of art.

All taxes must, at last, fall upon agriculture.

Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.

The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.

...the temper of soldiers, habituated at once to violence and to slavery, renders them very unfit guardians of a legal or even a civil constitution. Justice, humanity, or political wisdom, are qualities they are too little acquainted with in themselves to appreciate them in others.

The best and most important part of every man’s education is that which he gives himself.

Too idle to work, too proud to beg, the mercenaries were accustomed to a life of rapine: they could rob with more dignity and effect under a banner and a chief; and the sovereign, to whom their service was useless, and their presence importunate, endeavored to discharge the torrent on some neighboring countries.