There are no means of finding what either one person or many can do, but by trying - and no means by which anyone else can discover for them what it is for their happiness to do or leave undone

The idea that truth always triumphs over persecution is one of those pleasant falsehoods, which most experience refutes. History is teeming with instances of truth put down by persecution. If not put down forever, it may be set back for centuries.

The despotism of custom is everywhere the standing hindrance to human advancement.

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

Almost all rich veins of original and striking speculation have been opened by systematic half-thinkers.

Trade is a social act. Whoever undertakes to sell any description of any goods to the public, does what affects the interest of other persons, and of society in general; and thus his conduct, in principal, comes within the jurisdiction of society.

Popular opinions, on subjects not palpable to sense, are often true, but seldom or never the whole truth.