World's Great Thinkers Flashcards

It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.

"We owe an implicit reverence to all the institutions of our ancestors."

The reason why men enter into society, is the preservation of their property; and the end why they choose and authorize a legislative is that there may be laws made and rules set as guards and fences to the properties of all the members of the society; to limit the power and moderate the dominion of every part and member of the society.

The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is the prevent harm to others.

The obligation of subjects to the sovereign is understood to last as long, and no longer, than the power lasteth by which he is able to protect them.

From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.

Mankind are influenced by various causes, by the climate, by the religions, by the laws, by the maxims of the government, but precedents, morals, and customs whence is formed a general spirit of nations.

To renounce liberty is to renounce being a man, to surrender the rights of humanity and even its duties. For he who renounces everything no indemnity is possible. Such a renunciation is incompatible with man's nature; to remove all liberty from his will is to remove all morality from his acts.