To go and see one druidical temple is only to see that it is nothing, for there is neither art nor power in it; and seeing one is quite enough.

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.

He was dull in a new way, and that made many think him great.

We must consider how very little history there is--I mean real, authentic history. That certain kings reigned and certain battles were fought, we can depend upon as true; but all the coloring, all the philosophy, of history is conjecture.

What I gained by being in France was learning to be better satisfied with my own country.

Whatever is proposed, it is much easier to find reasons for rejecting than embracing.

Everything that enlarges the sphere of human powers, that shows man he can do what he thought he could not do, is valuable.