How many books there are whose reputation is made that would not obtain it were it now to make?

Religion is fire which example keeps alive, and which goes out if not communicated.

All disputation makes the mind deaf; and when people are deaf, I am dumb.

Contempt for private wrongs was one of the features of ancient morals.

There is graciousness and a kind of urbanity in beginning with men by esteem and confidence. It proves, at least, that we have long lived in good company with others and with our selves.

Forms of government become established of themselves. They shape themselves, they are not created. We may give them strength and consistency, but we cannot call them into being. Let us rest assured that the form of government can never be a matter of choice: it is almost always a matter of necessity.

We disjoint the mind like the body.