The science of politics is the one science that is deposited by the streams of history, like the grains of gold in the sand of a river; and the knowledge of the past, the record of truths revealed by experience, is eminently practical, as an instrument of action and a power that goes to making the future.

Writers the most learned, the most accurate in details, and the soundest in tendency, frequently fall into a habit which can neither be cured nor pardoned,-the habit of making history into the proof of their theories.

Socialism easily accepts despotism. It requires the strongest execution of power -- power sufficient to interfere with property.

Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority...

Every thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity.

A wise person does at once, what a fool does at last. Both do the same thing; only at different times.

Be generous before you are just. Do not temper mercy with justice.