Social reform is not to be secured by noise and shouting; by complaints and denunciation; by the formation of parties, or the making of revolutions; but by the awakening of thought and the progress of ideas. Until there be correct thought, there cannot be right action; and when there is correct thought, right action will follow.

The state, it cannot too often be repeated, does nothing, and can give nothing, which it does not take from somebody.

That which is unjust can really profit no one; that which is just can really harm no one.

Unless there be correct thought, there cannot be any action, and when there is correct thought, right action will follow.

It is not the business of government to make men virtuous or religious, or to preserve the fool from the consequences of his own folly.

How can a man be said to have a country when he has not right of a square inch of it.

No person, I think, ever saw a herd of buffalo, of which a few were fat and the great majority lean. No person ever saw a flock of birds, of which two or three were swimming in grease, and the others all skin and bone.