As civilization advances, poetry almost necessarily declines.

[I can] scarcely write upon mathematics or mathematicians. Oh for words to express my abomination of the science.

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

She thoroughly understands what no other Church has ever understood, how to deal with enthusiasts.

I wish I was as sure of anything as he is of everything.

Nothing is so useless as a general maxim.

No particular man is necessary to the state. We may depend on it that, if we provide the country with popular institutions, those institutions will provide it with great men.