Tragedy is an imitation not only of a complete action, but of events inspiring fear and pity. Such an effect is best produced when the events come on us by surprise; and the effect is heightened when, at the same time, they follow as cause and effect. The tragic wonder will then be great than if they happened of themselves or by accident; for even coincidences are most striking when they have an air of design.

At his best, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice he is the worst.

The avarice of mankind is insatiable.

Those who have the command of the arms in a country are masters of the state, and have it in their power to make what revolutions they please. [Thus,] there is no end to observations on the difference between the measures likely to be pursued by a minister backed by a standing army, and those of a court awed by the fear of an armed people.

Art is identical with a state of capacity to make, involving a true course of reasoning.

Friends are much better tried in bad fortune than in good.

Since music has so much to do with the molding of character, it is necessary that we teach it to our children.