Whatever misanthropists may say, ingrates and the perverse are exceptions in the human species.

Many a one commits a reprehensible action, who is at bottom an honourable man, because man seldom acts upon natural impulse, but from some secret passion of the moment which lies hidden and concealed within the narrowest folds of his heart.

Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.

We must laugh at man to avoid crying for him.

For my part, it is not the mystery of the incarnation which I discover in religion, but the mystery of social order, which associates with heaven that idea of equality which prevents the rich from destroying the poor

Doctors will have more lives to answer for in the next world than even we generals.

It is in times of difficulty that great nations like great men display the whole energy of their character and become an object of admiration to posterity.