In a democracy, someone who fails to get elected to office can always console himself with the thought that there was something not quite fair about it.

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

For men can endure to hear others praised only so long as they can severally persuade themselves of their own ability to equal the actions recounted: when this point is passed, envy comes in and with it incredulity.

There is no need to suppose that human beings differ very much one from another; but it is true that the ones who come out on top are the ones who have been trained in the hardest school.

Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and respect of self, in turn, is the chief element in courage.

Amassing of wealth is an opportunity for good deeds, not hubris

It is frequently a misfortune to have very brilliant men in charge of affairs. They expect too much of ordinary men.