False principles, which correspond with the bad as well as with the just aspirations of mankind, are a normal and necessary element in the social life of nations.

A man can be trusted only up to low-water mark.

Those who have more power are liable to sin more; no theorem in geometry is more certain than this.

I saw in States' rights the only availing check upon the absolutism of the sovereign will, and secession filled me with hope, not as the destruction but as the redemption of Democracy.... Therefore I deemed that you were fighting the battles of our liberty, our progress, and our civilization, and I mourn for the stake which was lost at Richmond more deeply than I rejoice over that which was saved at Waterloo.

The one pervading evil of democracy is the tyranny of the majority.

Authority that does not exist for Liberty is not authority but force.

Despotic power is always accompanied by corruption of morality.