Every ambitious would-be empire, clarions it abroad that she is conquering the world to bring it peace, security and freedom, and it is sacrificing her sons only for the most noble and humanitarian purposes. That is a lie; and it is an ancient lie, yet generations still rise and believe it.

If I choose to devote myself to certain labors which yield more real profit, though but little money, they may be inclined to look on me as an idler.

Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.

A man cannot wheedle nor overawe his Genius. It requires to be conciliated by nobler conduct than the world demands or can appreciate.

I please myself with imagining a State at last which can afford to be just to all men, and to treat the individual with respect as a neighbor.

Keep up the fires of thought, and all will go well.

It is never too late to give up our prejudices.