I write to keep from going mad from the contradictions I find among mankind - and to work some of those contradictions out for myself.

Whom conscience, ne'er asleep, Wounds with incessant strokes, not loud, but deep.

Life in itself is neither good nor evil, it is the place of good and evil, according to what you make it.

The religion of my doctor or my lawyer cannot matter. That consideration has nothing in common with the functions of the friendship they owe me.

It needs courage to be afraid.

Some, either from being glued to vice by a natural attachment, or from long habit, no longer recognize its ugliness.

It is very easy to accuse a government of imperfection, for all mortal things are full of it.