To discover to the world something which deeply concerns it, and of which it was previously ignorant; to prove to it that it had been mistaken on some vital point of temporal or spiritual interest, is as important a service as a human being can render to his fellow creatures.

So true is that unnatural generally means only uncustomary, and that everything which is usual appears natural.

Language is the light of the mind

Political Economy, in truth, has never pretended to give advice to mankind with no lights but its own; though people who knew nothing but political economy (and therefore knew it ill) have taken upon themselves to advise, and could only do so by such lights as they had.

The only power deserving the name is that of masses, and of governments while they make themselves the organ of the tendencies and instincts of masses.

As often as a study is cultivated by narrow minds, they will draw from it narrow conclusions.

The natural tendency of representative government, as of modern civilisation, is towards collective mediocrity: and this tendency is increased by all reductions and extensions of the franchise, their effect being to place the principal power in the hands of classes more and more below the highest level of instruction in the community.