There are two things that seem to be at the bottom of our constitutions; one is a continual tendency towards politics; the other is family pride; and it is strange how these two feelings run through all of us.

The proof that a philosopher does not know what he is talking about is apt to sadden his followers before it reacts on himself.

Power is poison. Its effect on Presidents has been always tragic, chiefly as an almost indecent excitement at first, and a worse reaction afterwards; but also because no mind is so well balanced as to bear the strain of seizing unlimited force without habit or knowledge of it; and finding it disputed with him by hungry packs of wolves and hounds whose lives depend on snatching the carion.

As History stands, it is a sort of Chinese Play, without end and without lesson.

Every one must bear his own universe, and most persons are moderately interested in learning how their neighbors have managed to carry theirs.

If it were worth while to argue a paradox, one might maintain that nature regards the female as the essential, the male as the superfluity of her world. Perhaps the best starting-point for study of the Virgin would be a practical acquaintance with bees, and especially with queen bees.

The American President resembles the commander of a ship at sea. He must have a helm to grasp, a course to steer, a port to seek.