Great minds do indeed react on the society which has made them what they are; but they only pay with interest what they have received.

The hearts of men are their books; events are their tutors; great actions are their eloquence.

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

Scotland by no means escaped the fate ordained for every country which is connected, but not incorporated, with another country of greater resources.

He was a rake among scholars, and a scholar among rakes.

There is surely no contradiction in saying that a certain section of the community may be quite competent to protect the persons and property of the rest, yet quite unfit to direct our opinions, or to superintend our private habits.

I have long been convinced that institutions purely democratic must, sooner or later, destroy liberty or civilization, or both.