That anyone who possesses power has a tendency to abuse it is an eternal truth. They tend to go as far as the barriers will allow.

It is clear that in a monarchy, where he who commands the exceution of the laws generally thinks himself above them, there is lessneed of virtue than in a popular government, where the person entrusted with the execution of the laws is sensible of his being subject to their direction.

Politics are a smooth file, which cuts gradually, and attains its end by slow progression.

The English are busy folk; they have no time in which to be polite.

An empire founded by war has to maintain itself by war.

Men in excess of happiness or misery are equally inclined to severity. Witness conquerors and monks! It is mediocrity alone, and a mixture of prosperous and adverse fortune that inspire us with lenity and pity.

A fondness for reading changes the inevitable dull hours of our life into exquisite hours of delight.