The common faults of American language are an ambition of effect, a want of simplicity, and a turgid abuse of terms.

A soul,--a spark of the never-dying flame that separates man from all the other beings of earth.

I can't see no great difference atween givin' up territory afore a war, out of a dread of war, and givin' it up after a war, because we can't help it-unless it be that the last is the most manful and honourable.

Systems are to be appreciated by their general effects, and not by particular exceptions.

All greatness of character is dependent on individuality.

On the human imagination, events produce the effects of time. Thus, he who has travelled far and seen much, is apt to fancy that he has lived long; and the history that most abounds in important incidents, soonest assumes the aspect of antiquity.

The tendency of democracies is, in all things, to mediocrity, since the tastes, knowledge, and principles of the majority form the tribunal of appeal.