An eagerness and zeal for dispute on every subject, and with every one, shows great self-sufficiency, that never-failing sign of great self-ignorance.
William Pitt, 1st Earl of ChathamConcession comes with better grace and more salutary effect from superior power.
William Pitt, 1st Earl of ChathamUnlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it.
William Pitt, 1st Earl of ChathamThe poorest man may in his cottage bid defiance to all the forces of the ะกrown. It may be frail - its roof may shake - the wind may blow through it - the storm may enter - the rain may enter - but the King of England cannot enter.
William Pitt, 1st Earl of ChathamI would have it inscribed on the curtains of your bed and the walls of your chamber: "If you do not rise early you can make progress in nothing."
William Pitt, 1st Earl of ChathamTheoretical principals must sometimes give way for the sake of practical advantages.
William Pitt, 1st Earl of ChathamUnlimited power corrupts the possessor; and this I know, that, where law ends, there tyranny begins.
William Pitt, 1st Earl of ChathamBowing, ceremonious, formal compliments, stiff civilities, will never be politeness; that must be easy, natural, unstudied; and what will give this but a mind benevolent and attentive to exert that amiable disposition in trifles to all you converse and live with?
William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham