The business of the dramatist is to keep himself out of sight, and to let nothing appear but his characters. As soon as he attracts notice to his personal feelings, the illusion is broken.

We cannot absolutely prove that those are in error who tell us that society has reached a turning point, that we have seen our best days. But so said all before us, and with just as much apparent reason.

Generalization is necessary to the advancement of knowledge; but particularly is indispensable to the creations of the imagination. In proportion as men know more and think more they look less at individuals and more at classes. They therefore make better theories and worse poems.

As freedom is the only safeguard of governments, so are order and moderation generally necessary to preserve freedom.

No man in the world acts up to his own standard of right.

Turn where we may, within, around, the voice of great events is proclaiming to us, Reform, that you may preserve!

I would rather be poor in a cottage full of books than a king without the desire to read.