The essence of true nobility is neglect of self. Let the thought of self pass in, and the beauty of a great action is gone, like the bloom from a soiled flower.

True greatness is the most ready to recognize and most willing to obey those simple outward laws which have been sanctioned by the experience of mankind.

Just laws are no restraint upon the freedom of the good, for the good man desires nothing which a just law will interfere with.

A person possessed with an idea cannot be reasoned with.

Fear is the parent of cruelty.

Sacrifice is the first element of religion, and resolves itself in theological language into the love of God.

Mistakes are often the best teachers.