I think that one of the causes of these repeated failures is that our best and greatest men have greatly underestimated the size of this question (slavery). They have constantly brought forward small cures for great sores-plasters too small to cover the wound. That is one reason that all settlements have proved so temporary-so evanescent.

In my entire life I have only met four "perfect" people... and I disliked them all.

If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend.

I destroy my enemy if I make him my friend.

Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.

Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity; and none will do it enthusiastically. Posterity has done nothing for us; and theorize on it as we may, practically we shall do very little for it, unless we are made to think we are at the same time doing something for ourselves.

The trouble with too many people is they believe the realm of truth always lies within their vision.