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.

Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it.

The atrocious crime of being a young man . . . I shall neither attempt to palliate nor deny.

I know that I can save this country and that no one else can.

Unlimited power corrupts the possessor; and this I know, that, where law ends, there tyranny begins.

Concession comes with better grace and more salutary effect from superior power.

Bowing, 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?