Democracy becomes a government of bullies tempered by editors.

But the wise know that foolish legislation is a rope of sand, which perishes in the twisting; that the State must follow, and notlead the character and progress of the citizen; the strongest usurper is quickly got rid of; and they only who build on Ideas, build for eternity; and that the form of government which prevails, is the expression of what cultivation exists in the population which permits it.

I must feel pride in my friend's accomplishments as if they were mine,--and a property in his virtues. I feel as warmly when he ispraised, as the lover when he hears applause of his engaged maiden.

The shoemaker makes a good shoe because he makes nothing else.

The ornaments of our homes are the friends that visit it

I am ashamed to think how easily we capitulate to badges and names, to large societies and dead institutions.

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.