I do not despise genius-indeed, I wish I had a basketful of it. But yet, after a great deal of experience and observation, I have become convinced that industry is a better horse to ride than genius. It may never carry any man as far as genius has carried individuals, but industry-patient, steady, intelligent industry-will carry thousands into comfort, and even celebrity; and this it does with absolute certainty.

And the principle which distinguishes democracy from all other forms of government is that in a democracy the opposition not only is tolerated as constitutional but must be maintained because it is in fact indispensable.

Whereas each man claims his freedom as a matter of right, the freedom he accords to other men is a matter of toleration.

In a place where everybody thinks alike, nobody thinks very much.

What we call a democratic society might be defined for certain purposes as one in which the majority is always prepared to put down a revolutionary minority.

We say that the truth will make us free. Yes, but that truth is a thousand truths which grow and change.

The first principle of a civilized state is that power is legitimate only when it is under contract.