Of all studies, the most delightful and the most useful is biography. The seeds of great events lie near the surface; historians delve too deep for them. No history was ever true. Lives I have read which, if they were not, had the appearance, the interest, and the utility of truth.
Walter Savage LandorThose who in living fill the smallest space, In death have often left the greatest void.
Walter Savage LandorEverything that looks to the future elevates human nature; for never is life so low or so little as when occupied with the present.
Walter Savage LandorA mercantile democracy may govern long and widely; a mercantile aristocracy cannot stand.
Walter Savage LandorWhatever is worthy to be loved for anything is worthy of preservation. A wise and dispassionate legislator, if any such should ever arise among men, will not condemn to death him who has done or is likely to do more service than injury to society. Blocks and gibbets are the nearest objects with legislators, and their business is never with hopes or with virtues.
Walter Savage Landor