The real or supposed rights of man are of two kinds, active and passive; the right in certain cases to do as we list; and the right we possess to the forbearance or assistance of other men. The first of these a just philosophy will probably induce us universally to explode.

If he who employs coercion against me could mould me to his purposes by argument, no doubt he would. He pretends to punish me because his argument is strong; but he really punishes me because his argument is weak.

But the watchful care of the parent is endless. The youth is never free from the danger of grating interference.

Obey; this may be right; but beware of reverence.... Government is nothing but regulated force; force is its appropriate claim upon your attention. It is the business of individuals to persuade; the tendency of concentrated strength, is only to give consistency and permanence to an influence more compendious than persuasion.

What indeed is life, unless so far as it is enjoyed? It does not merit the name.

Books are the depositary of everything that is most honourable to man.

Duty is that mode of action on the part of the individual which constitutes the best possible application of his capacity to the general benefit.