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

The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing.

I see no clear reason why the doctrine of self-interest properly understood should turn men away from religious beliefs.

The aspect of American society is animated, because men and things are always changing; but it is monotonous, because all the changes are alike.

The taste for well-being is the prominent and indelible feature of democratic times.

Chance does nothing that has not been prepared beforehand.

The legislator is like the navigator of a ship on the high seas. He can steer the vessel on which he sails, but he cannot alter its construction, raise the wind, or stop the waves from swelling beneath his feet.