We must have the real thing before we can have a science of a thing.

But the world was also so constructed, owing to the nature of the Maker of it, that superior strength was found in the long run to lie with those who had the right on their side.

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

Nature is less partial than she appears, and all situations in life have their compensations along with them.

Beautiful is old age—beautiful as the slow-dropping mellow autumn of a rich glorious summer. In the old man, Nature has fulfilled her work; she loads him with blessings; she fills him with the fruits of a well-spent life; and, surrounded by his children and his children's children, she rocks him softly away to a grave, to which he is followed with blessings. God forbid we should not call it beautiful.

Instruction does not prevent wasted time or mistakes; and mistakes themselves are often the best teachers of all.

The first duty of an historian is to be on his guard against his own sympathies...