The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

Representatives of the french people have resolved to set forth, in a solemn declaration, the natural, inalienable and sacred rights of man. No hindrance should be put in way of anything nor prohibited by the law, nor may any one be forced to do what the law does not require. All citizens are equally admissible to all public dignities, offices and employments according to their abilities with no other distinction than that of their virtues and talents. The safeguard of the rights of man and the citizen requires public powers.