The will of the nation is one of those phrases most widely abused by schemers and tyrants of all ages.

Despotism may be able to do without religion, but democracy cannot.

Generally speaking, only simple conceptions can grip the mind of a nation. An idea that is clear and precise even though false will always have greater power in the world than an idea that is true but complex.

I avow that I do not hold that complete and instantaneous love for the freedom of the press that one accords to things whose nature is unqualifiedly good. I love it out of consideration for the evils it prevents much more than for the good it does.

There is hardly a political question in the United States which does not sooner or later turn into a judicial one.

There is no philosopher in the world so great but he believes a million things on the faith of other people and accepts a great many more truths than he demonstrates.

To remain silent is the most useful service that a mediocre speaker can render to the public good.