As men are affected in all ages by the same passions, the occasions which bring about great changes are different, but the causes are always the same.

Virtue is necessary to a republic.

Sometimes a man who deserves to be looked upon because he is a fool is despised only because he is a lawyer.

Slavery, properly so called, is the establishment of a right which gives to one man such a power over another as renders him absolute master of his life and fortune.

There are bad examples which are worse than crimes; and more states have perished from the violation of morality than from the violation of law.

The false notion of miracles comes of our vanity, which makes us believe we are important enough for the Supreme Being to upset nature on our behalf.

The mood and temper of the public in regard to the treatment of crime and criminals is one of the most unfailing tests of the civilisation of any country.