The best laws cannot make a constitution work in spite of morals; morals can turn the worst laws to advantage.

What is understood by republican government in the United States is the slow and quiet action of society upon itself.

Of all the countries of the world America is the one where the movement of thought and human industry is the most continuous and swift.

What is not yet done is only what we have not yet attempted to do.

The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.

In democratic ages men rarely sacrifice themselves for another, but they show a general compassion for all the human race. One never sees them inflict pointless suffering, and they are glad to relieve the sorrows of others when they can do so without much trouble to themselves. They are not disinterested, but they are gentle.

Because Roman civilization perished through barbarian invasions, we are perhaps too much inclined to think that that is the only way a civilization can die. If the lights that guide us ever go out, they will fade little by little, as if of their own accord.... We therefore should not console ourselves by thinking that the barbarians are still a long way off. Some peoples may let the torch be snatched from their hands, but others stamp it out themselves.