It is for the most part in our skill in manners, and in the observations of time and place and of decency in general, that what is called taste by way of distinction consists; and which is in reality no other than a more refined judgment.

An entire life of solitude contradicts the purpose of our being, since death itself is scarcely an idea of more terror.

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.

Fellowship in treason is a bad ground of confidence.

When a great man has some one object in view to be achieved in a given time, it may be absolutely necessary for him to walk out of all the common roads.

Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver; and adulation is not of more service to the people than to kings.

If the people are happy, united, wealthy, and powerful, we presume the rest. We conclude that to be good from whence good is derived.