The best that we can do for one another is to exchange our thoughts freely; and that, after all, is about all.

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.

Every one of us ... knows better than he practices, and recognizes a better law than he obeys.

What is called virtue in the common sense of the word has nothing to do with this or that man's prosperity, or even happiness.

I cannot think the disputes and jealousies of Heaven are tried and settled by the swords of earth.

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.

Men are made by nature unequal. It is vain, therefore, to treat them as if they were equal.