He was a statesman of materialism, playing the popular game, with no end but the terrible game itself, with no stake but his life, and with no responsibility beyond nonentity.

Such a man must be profoundly indifferent either to despotism or to liberty.

His contempt of the people must incline him rather to the side of tyranny.

When we can detect nothing divine in men, the better part to play is to make use of them.

We can only serve well that which we respect.