Both in individuals and in masses violent excitement is always followed by remission, and often by reaction. We are all inclined to depreciate whatever we have overpraised, and, on the other hand, to show undue indulgence where we have shown undue rigor.

In perseverance, in self command, in forethought, in all virtues which conduce to success in life, the Scots have never been surpassed.

Everybody's business is nobody's business.

We must succumb to the general influence of the times. No man can be of the tenth century, if he would; be must be a man of the nineteenth century.

In every age the vilest specimens of human nature are to be found among demagogues.

That is the best government which desires to make the people happy, and knows how to make them happy.

A good constitution is infinitely better than the best despot.