It is probable that there is no one thing that it is of eminent importance for a child to learn.

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.

Revolution is engendered by an indignation with tyranny, yet is itself pregnant with tyranny.... An attempt to scrutinize men's thoughts and punish their opinions is of all kinds of despotism the most odious: yet this is peculiarly character of a period of revolution.... There is no period more at war with the existence of liberty.

The diligent scholar is he that loves himself, and desires to have reason to applaud and love himself.

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.

In a well-written book we are presented with the maturest reflections, or the happiest flights of a mind of uncommon excellence. It is impossible that we can be much accustomed to such companions without attaining some resemblance to them.

Hereditary wealth is in reality a premium paid to idleness.