The oldest, wisest politician grows not more human so, but is merely a gray wharf rat at last.

For eighteen hundred years, though perchance I have no right to say it, the New Testament has been written; yet where is the legislator who has wisdom and practical talent enough to avail himself of the light which it sheds on the science of legislation?

Those services which the community will most readily pay for, it is most disagreeable to render.

The incessant anxiety and strain of some is a well-nigh incurable form of disease. We are made to exaggerate the importance of what we do; and yet how much is not done by us!

Nature is not made after such a fashion as we would have her. We piously exaggerate her wonders, as the scenery around our home.

All perception of truth is the detection of an analogy.

The philosopher's conception of things will, above all, be truer than other men's, and his philosophy will subordinate all the circumstances of life. To live like a philosopher is to live, not foolishly, like other men, but wisely and according to universal laws.