Business is really more agreeable than pleasure; it interests the whole mind, the aggregate nature of man more continuously, and more deeply. But it does not look as if it did.

The characteristic merit of the English constitutions is, that its dignified parts are very complicated and somewhat imposing, very old and rather venerable, while its efficient part, at least when in great and critical action, is decidedly simple and modern.

No great work has ever been produced except after a long interval of still and musing meditation.

Conquest is the missionary of valor, and the hard impact of military virtues beats meanness out of the world.

So long as war is the main business of nations, temporary despotism - despotism during the campaign - is indispensable.

It is good to be without vices, but it is not good to be without temptations.

In my youth I hoped to do great things; now I shall be satisfied to get through without scandal.