There never was a bad man that had ability for good service.

A nation without means of reform is without means of survival.

To be attached to the subdivision, to love the little platoon we belong to in society, is the first principle (the germ as it were) of public affections. It is the first link in the series by which we proceed toward a love to our country and to mankind. The interest of that portion of social arrangement is a trust in the hands of all those who compose it; and as none but bad men would justify it in abuse, none but traitors would barter it away for their own personal advantage.

There are circumstances in which despair does not imply inactivity.

It is undoubtedly the business of ministers very much to consult the inclinations of the people, but they ought to take great care that they do not receive that inclination from the few persons who may happen to approach them.

Pleasure of every kind quickly satisfies.

Flattery is no more than what raises in a man's mind an idea of a preference which he has not.