In religion and politics, people's belief's and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second hand, and without examination

To be, or not to be; that is the bare bodkin That makes calamity of so long life.

The true pioneer of civilization is not the newspaper, not religion, not the railroad - but whiskey!

Even popularity can be overdone. In Rome, along at first, you are full of regrets that Michelangelo died; but by and by, you only regret that you didn't see him do it.

Man is the only Patriot. He sets himself apart in his own country, under his own flag, and sneers at the other nations, and keeps multitudinous uniformed assassins on hand at heavy expense to grab slices of other people's countries, and keep them from grabbing slices of his. And in the intervals between campaigns he washes the blood off his hands and works for the universal brotherhood of man - with his mouth.

Laws are sand, customs are rock. Laws can be evaded and punishment escaped, but an openly transgressed custom brings sure punishment.

Be careless in your dress if you must, but keep a tidy soul.