Agitation is the atmosphere of the brains.

Will the slave fight? If any man asks you, tell him No. But if anyone asks you will a Negro fight, tell him Yes!

Republics exist only on the tenure of being constantly agitated.... There is no republican road to safety but in constant distrust.

God gives manhood but one clew to success,--utter and exact justice; that he guarantees shall be always expediency.

Government is only a necessary evil, like other go-carts and crutches. Our need of it shows exactly how far we are still children. All governing overmuch kills the self-help and energy of the governed.

Do not take the yardstick of your ignorance to measure what the ancients knew, and call everything which you do not know lies. Do not call things untrue because they are marvelous, but give them a fair consideration.

My advice to a young man seeking deathless fame would be to espouse an unpopular cause and devote his life to it.