I only knew what was in my mind, and I wished to express it clearly

The distant rear of an army engaged in battle is not the best place from which to judge correctly what is going on in front.

It is men who wait to be selected, and not those who seek, from whom we may expect the most efficient service.

The most confident critics are generally those who know the least about the matter criticized.

No theory of my own will ever stand in the way of my executing, in good faith, any order I may receive from those in authority over me.

In 1850, I believe, the church property in the United States, which paid no tax, amounted to $87 million. In 1900, without a check, it is safe to say, this property will reach a sum exceeding $3 billion. I would suggest the taxation of all property equally.

... anything is better than indecision. We must decide. If I am wrong, we shall soon find out and can do the other thing. But not to decide wastes both time and money and may ruin everything.