‎A general State education is a mere contrivance for moulding people to be exactly like one another; and as the mould in which it casts them is that which pleases the dominant power in the government, whether this be a monarch, an aristocracy, or a majority of the existing generation; in proportion as it is efficient and successful, it establishes a despotism over the mind, leading by a natural tendency to one over the body.

Mankind are greater gainers by suffering each other to live as seems good to themselves, than by compelling each to live as seems good to the rest.

All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.

It is historically true that a large proportion of infidels in all ages have been persons of distinguished integrity and honor.

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.

The test of real and vigorous thinking, the thinking which ascertains truths instead of dreaming dreams, is successful application to practice.

Customs are made for customary circumstances, and customary characters.