"For where no covenant hath preceded, there hath no right been transferred, and every man has right to every thing; and consequently, no action can be unjust."

"When a man's discourse beginneth not with definitions, it is a sign that he gropes in the dark."

"For every man by nature is supposed to be equal to every other man, and therefore, if there be no common power to keep them in awe, they will be in a state of war, of every man against every man."

"For the nature of man is such, that he is always desirous of new things, and of change; and therefore, if there be no common power to keep him in awe, he will be continually in a state of war."

"No man can have a right to anything, unless he has a power to defend it."