The real object of the drama is the exhibition of human character.

Facts are the mere dross of history. It is from the abstract truth which interpenetrates them, and lies latent among them, like gold in the ore, that the mass derives its whole value; and the precious particles are generally combined with the baser in such a manner that the separation is a task of the utmost difficulty.

With respect to the doctrine of a future life, a North American Indian knows just as much as any ancient or modern philosopher.

The merit of poetry, in its wildest forms, still consists in its truth-truth conveyed to the understanding, not directly by the words, but circuitously by means of imaginative associations, which serve as its conductors.

Generalization is necessary to the advancement of knowledge; but particularity is indispensable to the creations of the imagination.

There are countries in which it would be as absurd to establish popular governments as to abolish all the restraints in a school or to unite all the strait-waistcoats in a madhouse.

The highest eulogy which can be pronounced on the Revolution of 1688 is this that this was our last Revolution.