All errors which a man is likely to commit against advice are far outweighed by the evil of allowing others to constrain him for his good.

As for charity, it is a matter in which the immediate effect on the persons directly concerned, and the ultimate consequence to the general good, are apt to be at complete war with one another.

It is only in the backward countries of the world that increased production is still an important object.

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

A state which dwarfs its men, in order that they may be more docile instruments in its hands even for beneficial purposes--will find that with small men no great thing can really be accomplished.

A people among whom there is no habit of spontaneous action for a collective interest - who look habitually to their government to command or prompt them in all matters of joint concern - who expect to have everything done for them, except what can be made an affair of mere habit and routine - have their faculties only half developed; their education is defective in one of its most important branches.

The principles which men profess on any controverted subject are usually a very incomplete exponent of the opinions they really hold.