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

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

I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should appear like a fool but be wise.

The first lesson in civics is that efficient government begins at home.

If I knew of something that could serve my nation but would ruin another, I would not propose it to my prince, for I am first a man and only then a Frenchman... because I am necessarily a man, and only accidentally am I French.

Religious wars are not caused by the fact that there is more than one religion, but by the spirit of intolerance... the spread of which can only be regarded as the total eclipse of human reason.