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.

When one is deprived of ones liberty, one is right in blaming not so much the man who puts the shackles on as the one who had the power to prevent him, but did not use it.

Wars spring from unseen and generally insignificant causes, the first outbreak being often but an explosion of anger.

And where the rewards for merit are greatest, there are found the best citizens.

It is from the greatest dangers that the greatest glory is to be won.

I have written my work, not as an essay which is to win the applause of the moment, but as a possession for all time

Abstinence from all injustice to other first-rate powers is a greater tower of strength than anything that can be gained by the sacrifice of permanent tranquillity for an apparent temporary advantage.