As the past has ceased to throw its light upon the future, the mind of man wanders in obscurity.

An American cannot converse, but he can discuss, and his talk falls into a dissertation. He speaks to you as if he was addressing a meeting; and if he should chance to become warm in the discussion, he will say 'Gentlemen' to the person with whom he is conversing.

There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle.

What is most important for democracy is not that great fortunes should not exist, but that great fortunes should not remain in the same hands. In that way there are rich men, but they do not form a class.

It is easier for the world to accept a simple lie than a complex truth.

Every central government worships uniformity: uniformity relieves it from inquiry into an infinity of details.

The civil jury is the most effective form of sovereignty of the people. It defies the aggressions of time and man. During the reigns of Henry VIII (1509-1547) and Elizabeth I (1158-1603), the civil jury did in reality save the liberties of England.