A friend is never alarmed for us in the right place.

It is said that ridicule is the test of truth; but it is never applied except when we wish to deceive ourselves - when if we cannot exclude the light, we would fain draw the curtain before it. The sneer springs out of the wish to deny; and wretched must that state of mind be, that wishes to take refuge in doubt.

It is amazing how much a thought expands and refines by being put into speech: I should think it could hardly know itself.

words alike make the destiny of empires and of individuals. Ambition, love, hate, interest, vanity, have words for their engines, and need none more powerful. Language is a fifth element - the one by which all the others are swayed.

Repentance is a one-faced Janus, ever looking to the past.

It is said that ridicule is the test of truth: it is never applied, but when we wish to deceive ourselves.

To this hour, the great science and duty of politics is lowered by the petty leaven of small and personal advantage.