I look upon parliamentary government as the noblest government in the world, and certainly one most suited to England. But without the discipline of political connection, animated by the principle of private honor, I feel certain that a popular assembly would sink before the power or the corruption of a minister.

There are few faces that can afford to smile: a smile is sometimes bewitching, in general vapid, often a contortion.

Nationality is the miracle of political independence; race is the principle of physical analogy.

Moderation has been called a virtue to limit the ambition of great men, and to console undistinguished people for their want of fortune and their lack of merit.

I repeat... that all power is a trust; that we are accountable for its exercise; that from the people and for the people all springs, and all must exist.

Something unpleasant is coming when men are anxious to tell the truth.

The test of political institutions is the condition of the country whose future they regulate.