The effect of liberty to individuals is that they may do what they please: we ought to see what it will please them to do, before we risk congratulations.

Falsehood and delusion are allowed in no case whatever; but, as in the exercise of all the virtues, there is an economy of truth. It is a sort of temperance, by which a man speaks truth with measure, that he may speak it the longer.

Applause is the spur of noble minds, the end and aim of weak ones.

When slavery is established in any part of the world, those who are free are by far the most proud and jealous of their freedom.

I cannot help concurring with the opinion that an absolute democracy, no more than absolute monarchy, is to be reckoned among the legitimate forms of government.

By the disposition of a stupendous wisdom, moulding together the great mysterious incorporation of the human race, the whole, at one time, is never old, or middle-aged, or young; but, in a condition of unchangeable constancy, moves on through the varied tenor of perpetual decay, fall, renovation, and progression.

Wars are just to those to whom they are necessary.