We need not worry so much about what man descends from; it's what he descends to that shames the human race.

Homely truth is unpalatable.

When whole races and peoples conspire to propagate gigantic mute lies in the interest of tyrannies and shams, why should we care anything about the trifling lies told by individuals?

Many of the cemeteries are beautiful, and are kept in perfect order. When one goes from the levee or the business streets [of New Orleans] to it, to a cemetery, he observes to himself that if those people down there would live as neatly while they are alive as they do after they are dead, they would find many advantages in it; and besides, their quarter would be the wonder and admiration of the business world.

One must travel, to learn. Every day, now, old Scriptural phrases that never possessed any significance for me before, take to themselves a meaning.

The jury system puts a ban upon intelligence and honesty and a premium upon ignorance, stupidity and perjury.

I thoroughly believe that any man who's got anything worthwhile to say will be heard if he only says it often enough.