Instead of looking on discussion as a stumbling block in the way of action, we think it an indispensable preliminary to any wise action at all.

I am of opinion that national greatness is more for the advantage of private citizens, than any individual well-being coupled with public humiliation. A man may be personally ever so well off, and yet if his country be ruined he must be ruined with it; whereas a flourishing commonwealth always affords chances of salvation to unfortunate individuals.

For the whole earth is the tomb of famous men; not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions in their own country, but in foreign lands there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.

The marketplace is democratic.

Our love of what is beautiful does not lead to extravagance; our love of the things of the mind does not make us soft.

It is difficult to argue with the belly, for it has no ears.

Future ages will wonder at us, as the present age wonders at us now.