It is clearly better that property should be private, but the use of it common and the special business of the legislator is to create in men this benevolent disposition.

Those who excel in virtue have the best right of all to rebel, but then they are of all men the least inclined to do so.

Men create gods after their own image, not only with regard to their form but with regard to their mode of life.

The generality of men are naturally apt to be swayed by fear rather than reverence, and to refrain from evil rather because of the punishment that it brings than because of its own foulness.

Men are swayed more by fear than by reverence.