Wise men will apply their remedies to vices, not to names; to the causes of evil which are permanent, not the occasional organs by which they act, and the transitory modes in which they appear.

He that struggles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.

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

I find along with many virtues in my countrymen there is a jealousy, a soreness, and readiness to take offence, as if they were the most helpless and impotent of mankind, and yet a violence... and a boistrousness in their resentment, as if they had been puffed up with the highest prosperity and power. they will not only be served, but it must also be in their own way and on their own principles and even in words and language that they liked... which renders it very difficult for a plain unguarded man as I am to have anything to do with them or their affairs.

Not men but measures a sort of charm by which many people get loose from every honorable engagement.

A great deal of the furniture of ancient tyranny is torn to rags; the rest is entirely out of fashion.

The yielding of the weak is the concession to fear.