I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future but by the past.

If a man were called to fix the period in the history of the world during which the condition of the human race was most happy and prosperous, he would, without hesitation, name that which elapsed from the death of Domitian to the accession of Commodus.

On the approach of spring, I withdraw without reluctance from the noisy and extensive scene of crowds without company, and dissipation without pleasure.

The best and most important part of every man's education is that which he gives himself.

Where error is irreparable, repentance is useless.

There exists in human nature a strong propensity to depreciate the advantages, and to magnify the evils, of the present times.

In the field of controversy I always pity the moderate party, who stand on the open middle ground exposed to the fire of both sides.