Whenever you see a man who is successful in society, try to discover what makes him pleasing, and if possible adopt his system.

It is knowledge that influences and equalizes the social condition of man; that gives to all, however different their political position, passions which are in common, and enjoyments which are universal.

To a mother, a child is everything; but to a child, a parent is only a link in the chain of her existence.

A consistent soul believes in destiny, a capricious one in chance.

We moralize among ruins.

That doctrine of peace at any price has done more mischief than any I can well recall that have been afloat in this country. It has occasioned more wars than any of the most ruthless conquerors. It has disturbed and nearly destroyed that political equilibrium so necessary to the liberties and the welfare of the world.

An insular country, subject to fogs, and with a powerful middle class, requires grave statesmen.