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.

There is no sphere in which a human being can be supposed to act where one mode of reasoning will not, in every given instance, be more reasonable than any other mode. That mode the being is bound by every principle of justice to pursue.

If there be such a thing as truth, it must infallibly be struck out by the collision of mind with mind.

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

The execution of any thing considerable implies in the first place previous persevering meditation.

Power is not happiness. Security and peace are more to be desired than a name at which nations tremble.

There can be no passion, and by consequence no love, where there is not imagination.