He that borrows the aid of an equal understanding doubles his own; he that uses that of a superior elevates his own to the stature of that he contemplates.

He was not merely a chip off the old block, but the old block itself.

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.

Liberty must be limited in order to be possessed.

The more accurately we search into the human mind, the stronger traces we everywhere find of his wisdom who made it.

Whilst shame keeps its watch, virtue is not wholly extinguished in the heart; nor will moderation be utterly exiled from the minds of tyrants.

It is a general popular error to suppose the loudest complainers for the public to be the most anxious for its welfare.