There is a systematic flocci-nauci-nihili-pilification of all other aspects of existence that angers me.

I know of few men over 50 that seem to me entirely human, virtually none who has long exercised authority.

I do not say that all lawyers are bad, but I do maintain that the general tendency is bad: standing up in a court for whichever side has paid you, affecting warmth and conviction, and doing everything you can to win the case, whatever your private opinion may be, will soon dull any fine sense of honour. The mercenary soldier is not a valued creature, but at least he risks his life, whereas these men merely risk their next fee.

I am in favour of leaving people alone, however imperfect their polity may seem. It appears to me that you must not tell other nations how to set their house in order; nor must you compel them to be happy.

Wit is the unexpected copulation of ideas.

Although wealth may not bring happiness, the immediate prospect of it provides a wonderfully close imitation.

Compulsion is the death of friendship.