Originally consists in thinking for yourself, and not in thinking unlike other people.

Power and courtly influence form an intoxicating draught even when raised to the lips of an ascetic and a saint.

Parliamentary government is simply a mild and disguised form of compulsion. We agree to try strength by counting heads instead of breaking heads, but the principle is exactly the same... The minority gives way not because it is convinced that it is wrong, but because it is convinced that it is a minority.

Each must act as he thinks best; and if he is wrong, so much the worse for him. We stand on a mountain pass in the midst of whirling snow and blinding mist through which we get glimpses now and then of paths which may be deceptive. If we stand still we shall be frozen to death. If we take the wrong road we shall be dashed to pieces. We do not certainly know whether there is any right one. What must we do? Be strong and of a good courage. Act for the best, hope for the best, and take what comes. . . . If death ends all, we cannot meet death better.

A liberal conservative is a man who thinks things ought to progress but would rather they remained as they are.

Originally consists in thinking for yourself, and not in thinking unlike other people.

Wisdom may be the ultimate arbiter, but is seldom the immediate agent in human affairs.