I also admit, that there are some sluggish men who are improved by drinking; as there are fruits which are not good till they are rotten.

I have no more pleasure in hearing a man attempting wit and failing, than in seeing a man trying to leap over a ditch and tumbling into it

Ignorance cannot always be inferred from inaccuracy; knowledge is not always present.

The fortitude which has encountered no dangers, that prudence which has surmounted no difficulties, that integrity which has been attacked by no temptation, can at best be considered but as gold not yet brought to the test, of which therefore the true value cannot be assigned.

Courage is the greatest of all virtues, because if you haven't courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.

Every government is perpetually degenerating towards corruption, from which it must be rescued at certain periods by the resuscitation of its first principles, and the re-establishment of its original constitution.

We are more pained by ignorance than delighted by instruction.