[Courage] arises in a great measure from the consciousness of strength . . .

The Indian who fells the tree that he may gather the fruit, and the Arab who plunders the caravans of commerce are actuated by the same impulse of savage nature, and relinquish for momentary rapine the long and secure possession of the most important blessings.

The possession and the enjoyment of property are the pledges which bind a civilised people to an improved country.

Books are those faithful mirrors that reflect to our mind the minds of sages and heroes.

So natural to man is the practice of violence that our indulgence allows the slightest provocation, the most disputable right, as a sufficient ground of national hostility.

There is more pleasure to building castles in the air than on the ground.

Revenge is profitable, gratitude is expensive.