The best laws cannot make a constitution work in spite of morals; morals can turn the worst laws to advantage. That is a commonplace truth, but one to which my studies are always bringing me back. It is the central point in my conception. I see it at the end of all my reflections.
"De la supériorité des mœurs sur les lois". Oeuvres complètes, Volume VIII, p. 286., 1831.