Some legislators only wish to vengeance against a particular enemy. Others only look out for themselves. They devote very little time on the consideration of any public issue. They think that no harm will come from their neglect. They act as if it is always the business of somebody else to look after this or that. When this selfish notion is entertained by all, the commonwealth slowly begins to decay.

Ignorance is bold and knowledge reserved.

Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.

It is useless to attack men who could not be controlled even if conquered, while failure would leave us in an even worse position.

Boasting and bravado may exist in the breast even of the coward, if he is successful through a mere lucky hit; but a just contempt of an enemy can alone arise in those who feel that they are superior to their opponent by the prudence of their measures.

Stories happen to those who tell them.

Love of power, operating through greed and through personal ambition, was the cause of all these evils.