It is better to cherish virtue and humanity, by leaving much to free will, even with some loss of the object , than to attempt to make men mere machines and instruments of political benevolence. The world on the whole will gain by a liberty, without which virtue cannot exist.

All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing as they must if they believe they can do nothing. There is nothing worse because the council of despair is declaration of irresponsibility; it is Pilate washing his hands.

The most favourable laws can do very little towards the happiness of people when the disposition of the ruling power is adverse to them.

The grave is a common treasury, to which we must all be taken.

Passion for fame: A passion which is the instinct of all great souls.

The greatest sin is to do nothing because you can only do a little.

People must be taken as they are, and we should never try make them or ourselves better by quarreling with them.