The art of life is the art of avoiding pain.

I shall often go wrong through defect of judgment. When right, I shall often be thought wrong by those whose positions will not command a view of the whole ground. I ask your indulgence for my own errors, which will never be intentional, and your support against the errors of others, who may condemn what they would not if seen in all its parts.

The press is the best instrument for enlightening the mind of man, and improving him as a rational, moral and social being

Men by their constitutions are naturally divided into two parties: 1. Those who fear and distrust the people, and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of the higher classes. 2. Those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them as the most honest and safe, although not the most wise depositary of the public interests. In every country these two parties exist, and in every one where they are free to think, speak, and write, they will declare themselves.

The happiest hours of my life have been spent in the flow of affection among friends.

The past stays put, I just keep moving farther away from it.

Ignorance and bigotry, like other insanities, are incapable of self-government.