There ought to be system of manners in every nation which a well-formed mind would be disposed to relish. To make us love our country, our country ought to be lovely.

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

Sallust is indisputably one of the best historians among the Romans, both for the purity of his language and the elegance of his style.

Liberty, without wisdom, is license.

I consider how little man is, yet, in his own mind, how great. He is lord and master of all things, yet scarce can command anything.

There is nothing in the world really beneficial that does not lie within the reach of an informed understanding and a well-protected pursuit.

If the prudence of reserve and decorum dictates silence in some circumstances, in others prudence of a higher order may justify us in speaking our thoughts.