The existence of very pious feelings, in conjunction with intolerance, cruelty, and selfish policy, has never ceased to surprise and perplex those who have viewed it calmly from a distance. ... It is impossible to exaggerate the evil work theology has done in the world. What destruction of the beautiful monuments of past ages, what waste of life, what disturbance of domestic and social happiness, what perverted feelings, what blighted hearts, have always marked its baneful progress!

Not in vain is Ireland pouring itself all over the earth. The Irish, with their glowing hearts and reverent credulity, are needed in this cold age of intellect and skepticism.

We must not forget that all great revolutions and reformations would look mean and meagre if examined in detail as they occurred at the time.

The eye of genius has always a plaintive expression, and its natural language is pathos.

Work! work! that is my unfailing cure for all troubles.

We first crush people to the earth, and then claim the right of trampling on them forever, because they are prostrate.

a great mind can attend to little things, but a little mind cannot attend to great things.