Of the demonstrably wise there are but two: those who commit suicide, & those who keep their reasoning faculties atrophied with drink.

Education: the path from cocky ignorance to miserable uncertainty.

When people do not respect us we are sharply offended; yet in his private heart no man much respects himself.

The blunting effects of slavery upon the slaveholder's moral perceptions are known and conceded the world over; and a priveleged class, an aristocracy, is but a band of slaveholders under another name.

Let us consider that we are all insane. It will explain us to each other. It will unriddle many riddles

Custom is custom: it is built of brass, boiler-iron, granite; facts, reasonings, arguments have no more effect upon it than the idle winds have upon Gibraltar.

Never do wrong when people are looking.