As we become civilized we are governed less by persons and more by principles. . . . The best of all leaders is the man who teaches people to lead themselves.

I have no reverence for any book that teaches a doctrine contrary to my reason; no reverence for any book that teaches a doctrine contrary to my heart; and, no matter how old it is, no matter how many have believed it, no matter how many have died on account of it, no matter how many live for it, I have no reverence for that book, and I am glad of it.

Music was born of love. Had there never been any human affection, there never could have been uttered a strain of music.

Not only are we here to protect the public from vicious criminals in the street but also to protect the public from harmful ideas.

I have no confidence in any religion that can be demonstrated only to children.

It is labor that has made the world a fit habitation for the human race.

To be like other people is to be unlike ourselves.