The majority, being satisfied with the ways of mankind as they now are (for it is they who make them what they are), cannot comprehend why those ways should not be good enough for everybody; and what is more, spontaneity forms no part of the ideal of the majority of moral and social reformers, but is rather looked on with jealousy, as a troublesome and perhaps rebellious obstruction to the general acceptance of what these reformers, in their own judgment, think would be best for mankind.

Liberty consists in doing what one desires.

The successful conduct of an industrial enterprise requires two quite distinct qualifications: fidelity and zeal.

Despotism is a legitimate mode of government in dealing with barbarians, provided the end be their improvement.

The concessions of the privileged to the unprivileged are seldom brought about by any better motive than the power of the unprivileged to extort them.

The moment one asks himself whether he is happy, he ceases to be so.

Ask yourself whether you are happy and you cease to be so. The only chance is to treat not happiness, but some end external to it, as the purpose of life.