That which especially distinguishes a high order of man from a low order of man, that which constitutes human goodness, human nobleness, is surely not the degree of enlightenment with which men pursue their own advantage; but it is self-forgetfulness; it is self-sacrifice; it is the disregard of personal pleasure, personal indulgence, personal advantage, remote or present, because some other line of conduct is more right.

Justice without wisdom is impossible.

Science rests on reason and experiment, and can meet an opponent with calmness; [but] a creed is always sensitive.

A single seed of fact will produce in a season or two a harvest of calumnies; but sensible men will pay no attention to them.

The practical effect of a belief is the real test of its soundness.

Courage is, on all hands, considered as an essential of high character.

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