The various modes of worship which prevailed in the Roman world were all considered by the people as equally true; by the philosopher as equally false; and by the magistrate as equally useful.

Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius.

Fanaticism obliterates the feelings of humanity.

The courage of a soldier is found to be the cheapest and most common quality of human nature.

[The] discretion of the judge is the first engine of tyranny . . .

The criminal penalties [for suicide] are the production of a later and darker age.

But the power of instruction is seldom of much efficacy, except in those happy dispositions where it is almost superfluous.