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

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

One source of the sublime is infinity.

When any work seems to have required immense force and labor to effect it, the idea is grand.

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

The great Error of our Nature is, not to know where to stop, not to be satisfied with any reasonable Acquirement; not to compound with our Condition; but to lose all we have gained by an insatiable Pursuit after more.

Corrupt influence is itself the perennial spring of all prodigality, and of all disorder; it loads us more than millions of debt; takes away vigor from our arms, wisdom from our councils, and every shadow of authority and credit from the most venerable parts of our constitution.