No great improvements in the lot of mankind are possible until a great change takes place in the fundamental constitution of their modes of thought.

I know tolerably well what Ireland was, but have a very imperfect idea of what Ireland is.

Not only the grounds of the opinion are forgotten in the absence of discussion, but too often the meaning of the opinion itself... Instead of a vivid conception and a living belief, there remain only a few phrases retained by rote; or, if any part, the shell and husk only of the meaning is retained, the finer essence being lost.

The most cogent reason for restricting the interference of government is the great evil of adding unnecessarily to its power.

Judgement is given to men that they may use it. Because it may be used erroneously, are men to be told that they ought not to use it at all?

There is a very real evil consequent on ascribing supernatural origin to the received maxilms of morality. That origin consecrates the whole of them and protects them from being discussed or criticized.

Each undervalues that part of the materials of thought with which he is not familiar.