Democracy has two excesses to avoid: the spirit of inequality, which leads to an aristocracy, or to the government of a single individual; and the spirit of extreme equality, which conducts it to despotism, as the despotism of a single individual finishes by conquest.

But constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go.

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.

Great commanders write their actions with simplicity; because they receive more glory from facts than from words.

There is hardly any grief that an hour's reading will not dissipate.

Mediocrity is a hand-rail.

The history of commerce is that of the communication of the people.