There is a boundary to men's passions when they act from feelings; but none when they are under the influence of imagination.

Abstract liberty, like other mere abstractions, is not to be found.

The liberty I mean is social freedom. It is that state of things in which liberty is secured by the equality of restraint. A constitution of things in which the liberty of no one man, and no body of men, and no number of men, can find means to trespass on the liberty of any person, or any description of persons, in the society. This kind of liberty is, indeed, but another name for justice.

Power gradually extirpates from the mind every humane and gentle virtue.

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

Fellowship in treason is a bad ground of confidence.

I am convinced that we have a degree of delight, and that no small one, in the real misfortunes and pain of others