Events in the past may be roughly divided into those which probably never happened and those which do not matter.

The vulgar mind always mistakes the exceptional for the important.

A monarch frequently represents his subjects better that an elected assembly; and if he is a good judge of character he is likely to have more capable and loyal advisers.

Faith is an act of self-consecration, in which the will, the intellect, and the affections all have their place.

When our first parents were driven out of Paradise, Adam is believed to have remarked to Eve, "My dear, we live in an age of transition."

A cat can be trusted to purr when she is pleased, which is more than can be said for human beings.

In imperialism nothing fails like success. If the conqueror oppresses his subjects, they will become fanatical patriots, and sooner or later have their revenge; if he treats them well, and governs them for their good, they will multiply faster than their rulers, till they claim their independence.