Man ... feels that he is a participator in the government of affairs not merely at an election, one day in the year, but every day.

Men of energy of character must have enemies; because there are two sides to every question, and taking one with decision, and acting on it with effect, those who take the other will of course be hostile in proportion as they feel that effect.

We should talk over the lessons of the day, or lose them in Music, Chess, or the merriments of our family companions.

Wisdom I know is social. She seeks her fellows. But Beauty is jealous, and illy bears the presence of a rival.

Do not be too severe upon the errors of the people, but reclaim them by enlightening them.

Error is to be pitied and pardoned: it is the weakness of human nature. But vice is a foul blemish, not pardonable in any character.

A morsel of genuine history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable.