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.

The effect of violent dislike between groups has always created an indifference to the welfare and honor of the state.

Thus, then, stands the case. It is good, that authors should be remunerated; and the least exceptionable way of remunerating them is by a monopoly. Yet monopoly is an evil. For the sake of the good we must submit to the evil; but the evil ought not to last a day longer than is necessary for the purpose of securing the good.

The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

I shall cheerfully bear the reproach of having descended below the dignity of history.

If anybody would make me the greatest king that ever lived, with palaces, and gardens and fine dinners, and wine, and coaches, and beautiful clothes, and hundreds of servants, on condition that I would not read books, I would not be a king.

Highest among those who have exhibited human nature by means of dialogue stands Shakespeare. His variety is like the variety of nature,--endless diversity, scarcely any monstrosity.