"I am not a man of systems, and I have no desire to be one."

"I am convinced that a great revolution is at hand, and that it will be more terrible than any that has yet occurred."

"I have often seen that the love of liberty is not the only motive of action, and that there are many other passions which can lead men to do great things."

"Despotism often presents itself as the defender of the oppressed, and the friend of the humble. It can even be useful to them, but it is always at the price of their liberty."

"To remain silent is the most useful service a mediocre speaker can render to the public good."