In reading The History of Nations, we find that, like individuals, they have their whims and their peculiarities, their seasons of excitement and recklessness, when they care not what they do. We find that whole communities suddenly fix their minds upon one object and go mad in its pursuit; that millions of people become simultaneously impressed with one delusion, and run after it, till their attention is caught by some new folly more captivating than the first.

Every age has its peculiar folly: Some scheme, project, or fantasy into which it plunges, spurred on by the love of gain, the necessity of excitement, or the force of imitation.

Aid the dawning, tongue and pen; Aid it, hopes of honest men!

Money, again, has often been a cause of the delusion of the multitudes. Sober nations have all at once become desperate gamblers, and risked almost their existence upon the turn of a piece of paper.

An arrow may fly through the air and leave no trace; but an ill thought leaves a trail like a serpent.

Men of thought and men of action, clear the Way!

He who has mingled in the fray of duty that the brave endure, must have made foes. If you have none, small is the work that you have done.