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.

The books of jurisprudence were interesting to few, and entertaining to none: their value was connected with present use, and they sunk forever as soon as that use was superseded by the innovations of fashion, superior merit, or public authority.

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

The inactivity of a conqueror betrays the loss of strength and blood . . .

The Roman government appeared every day less formidable to its enemies, more odious and oppressive to its subjects.

The laws of probability, so true in general, so fallacious in particular.

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