Though oppression may give rise to violent and repeated outbreaks, like the convulsions of a man in pain, it cannot mature a settled purpose and plan of regeneration, unless a new notion of happiness is joined to the sense of present evil.

Limitation is essential to authority. A government is legitimate only if it is effectively limited.

It is bad to be oppressed by a minority, but it is worse to be oppressed by a majority. For there is a reserve of latent power in the masses which, if it is called into play, the minority can seldom resist. But from the absolute will of an entire people there is no appeal, no redemption, no refuge but treason.

Be not content with the best book; seek sidelights from the others; have no favourites.

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

History is not only a particular branch of knowledge, but a particular mode and method of knowledge in other branches.

A history that should pursue all the subtle threads from end to end might be eminently valuable, but not as a tribute to peace and conciliation.