In the groves of their academy, at the end of every vista, you see nothing but the gallows.

It is known that the taste--whatever it is--is improved exactly as we improve our judgment, by extending our knowledge, by a steady attention to our object, and by frequent exercise.

The yielding of the weak is the concession to fear.

The pride of men will not often suffer reason to have scope until it can be no longer of service.

It is very rare, indeed, for men to be wrong in their feelings concerning public misconduct; as rare to be right in their speculations upon the cause of it. I have constantly observed that the generality of people are fifty years, at least, behind in their politics.

I own that there is a haughtiness and fierceness in human nature which will cause innumerable broils, place men in what situation you please.

I do not know the method of drawing up an indictment against a whole people.