Liberty is a blessing so inestimable, that, wherever there appears any probability of recovering it, a nation may willingly run many hazards, and ought not even to repine at the greatest effusion of blood or dissipation of treasure.
It is seldom, that liberty of any kind is lost all at once. Slavery has so frightful an aspect to men accustomed to freedom, that it must steal upon them by degrees, and must disguise itself in a thousand shapes, in order to be received.
That the sun shines tomorrow is a judgement that is as true as the contrary judgement.
Though experience be our only guide in reasoning concerning matters of fact; it must be acknowledged, that this guide is not altogether infallible, but in some cases is apt to lead us into errors.
Be a philosopher but, amid all your philosophy be still a man.
It is an absurdity to believe that the Deity has human passions, and one of the lowest of human passions, a restless appetite for applause.
Every wise, just, and mild government, by rendering the condition of its subjects easy and secure, will always abound most in people, as well as in commodities and riches.
Nothing appears more surprising to those, who consider human affairs with a philosophical eye, than the easiness with which the many are governed by the few; and the implicit submission, with which men resign their own sentiments and passions to those of their rulers.
There is no such thing as freedom of choice unless there is freedom to refuse.
The heights of popularity and patriotism are still the beaten road to power and tyranny.
A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence.
A propensity to hope and joy is real riches; one to fear and sorrow real poverty.
Custom is the great guide to human life.
Nothing is more surprising than the easiness with which the many are governed by the few.
It is more rational to suspect knavery and folly than to discount, at a stroke, everything that past experience has taught me about the way things actually work.
I may venture to affirm the rest of mankind, that they are nothing but a bundle or collection of different perceptions, which succeed each other with an inconceivable rapidity, and are in a perpetual flux and movement.
Which is more likely: that the whole natural order is suspended, or that a jewish minx should tell a lie?
When I hear that a man is religious, I conclude he is a rascal!
The first ideas of religion arose, not from contemplation of the works of nature, but from a concern with regard to the events of life.
When men are most sure and arrogant they are commonly most mistaken, giving views to passion without that proper deliberation which alone can secure them from the grossest absurdities.