Men, like peaches and pears, grow sweet a little while before they begin to decay.

History has to be rewritten because history is the selection of those threads of causes or antecedents that we are interested in.

The language of judicial decision is mainly the language of logic. And the logical method and form flatter that longing for certainty and for repose which is in every human mind. But certainty generally is illusion, and repose is not the destiny of man.

The nearer you come into relation with a person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become.

The character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done.

Every man is an omnibus in which his ancestors ride.

On every stem, on every leaf,... and at the root of everything that grew, was a professional specialist in the shape of grub, caterpillar, aphis, or other expert, whose business it was to devour that particular part.