Governments have their origin in the moral identity of men.

What a benefit would the American government, not yet relieved of its extreme need, render to itself, and to every city, village and hamlet in the States, if it would tax whiskey and rum almost to the point of prohibition! Was it Bonaparte who said that he found vices very good patriots? "He got five millions from the love of brandy, and he should be glad to know which of the virtues would pay him as much." Tobacco and opium have broad backs, and will cheerfully carry the load of armies, if you choose to make them pay high for such joy as they give and such harm as they do.

Must we always talk for victory, and never once for truth, for comfort, and joy?

Divine persons are character born, or, to borrow a phrase from Napoleon, they are victory organized.

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

In every work of genius we recognize our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty.

Self trust is the essence of heroism.