The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably lost, when the legislative power is nominated by the executive.

Greek is doubtless the most perfect [language] that has been contrived by the art of man.

Language is the leading principle which unites or separates the tribes of mankind.

[We should] suspend our belief of every tale that deviates from the laws of nature and the character of man.

There are two very natural propensities which we may distinguish in the most virtuous and liberal dispositions, the love of pleasure and the love of action. If the former is refined by art and learning, improved by the charms of social intercourse, and corrected by a just regard to economy, to health, and to reputation, it is productive of the greatest part of the happiness of private life.

War, in its fairest form, implies a perpetual violation of humanity and justice.

Truth, naked, unblushing truth, the first virtue of all serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.