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

The whole history of Christianity proves that she has little indeed to fear from persecution as a foe, but much to fear from persecution as an ally.

The end of government is the happiness of the people.

The best portraits are perhaps those in which there is a slight mixture of caricature; and we are not certain that the best histories are not those in which a little of the exaggeration of fictitious narrative is judiciously employed. Something is lost in accuracy; but much is gained in effect. The fainter lines are neglected; but the great characteristic features are imprinted on the mind forever.

What proposition is there respecting human nature which is absolutely and universally true? We know of only one,--and that is not only true, but identical,--that men always act from self-interest.

Those who seem to load the public taste are, in general, merely outrunning it in the direction which it is spontaneously pursuing.

The great cause of revolutions is this, that while nations move onward, constitutions stand still.