The long term versus the short term argument is one used by losers.

There are two things which cannot be attacked in front: ignorance and narrow-mindedness. They can only be shaken by the simple development of the contrary qualities. They will not bear discussion.

Many things are better for silence than for speech: others are better for speech than for stationery.

Government by idea tends to take in everything, to make the whole of society obedient to the idea. Spaces not so governed are unconquered, beyond the border, unconverted, a future danger.

Remember that one touch of ill-nature makes the whole world kin.

Moral precepts are constant through the ages and not obedient to circumstances.

The history of institutions is often a history of deception and illusions; for their virtue depends on the ideas that produce and on the spirit that preserves them, and the form may remain unaltered when the substance has passed away.