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 more afraid of our own mistakes than of our enemies' designs.

Better die standing than live kneeling.

Although only a few may originate a policy, we are all able to judge it.

Trees, though they are cut and loped, grow up again quickly, but if men are destroyed, it is not easy to get them again

Time as he grows old teaches many lessons. - Aeschylus Time is the wisest counselor of 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.