For honest merit to succeed amid the tricks and intrigues which are now so lamentably common, I know is difficult; but the honor of success is increased by the obstacles which are to be surmounted. Let me triumph as a man or not at all.

There are some things I am afraid of: I am afraid to do a mean thing.

History is philosophy teaching by example, and also warning; its two eyes are geography and chronology.

A nation is not worthy to be saved if, in the hour of its fate, it will not gather up all its jewels of manhood and life, and go down into the conflict however bloody and doubtful, resolved on measureless ruin or complete success.

History is constantly repeating itself, making only such changes of programme as the growth of nations and centuries requires.

Great ideas travel slowly, and for a time noiselessly, as the gods whose feet were shod with wool.

Whatever I may believe in theology, I do not believe in the doctrine of vicarious atonement in politics.