The hatred of those who are near to us is most violent.

So true is it that all transactions of preeminent importance are wrapt in doubt and obscurity; while some hold for certain facts the most precarious hearsays, others turn facts into falsehood; and both are exaggerated by posterity.

Indeed, the crowning proof of their valour and their strength is that they keep up their superiority without harm to others.

It is more reverent to believe in the works of the Deity than to comprehend them.

Flattery labors under the odious charge of servility.

War will of itself discover and lay open the hidden and rankling wounds of the victorious party.

This I regard as history's highest function, to let no worthy action be uncommemorated, and to hold out the reprobation of posterity as a terror to evil words and deeds.