Any man knows when he is justified, and all the wits in the world cannot enlighten him on that point. The murderer always knows that he is justly punished; but when a government takes the life of a man without the consent of his conscience, it is an audacious government, and is taking a step towards its own dissolution.

To speak impartially, the best men that I know are not serene, a world in themselves. For the most part, they dwell in forms, andflatter and study effect only more finely than the rest.

Solitude is not measured by the miles of space that intervene between a man and his fellows.

All the events which make the annals of the nations are but the shadows of our private experiences.

Superfluous wealth can buy superfluities only.

If there is any hell more unprincipled than our rulers, and we, the ruled, I feel curious to see it.

Say what you have to say, not what you ought. Any truth is better than make-believe.