The perfection of conversation is not to play a regular sonata, but, like the AEolian harp, to await the inspiration of the passing breeze.
A good parson once said that where mystery begins religion ends. Cannot I say, as truly at least, of human laws, that where mystery begins justice ends?
Sallust is indisputably one of the best historians among the Romans, both for the purity of his language and the elegance of his style.
It is by bribing, not so often by being bribed, that wicked politicians bring ruin on mankind. Avarice is a rival to the pursuits of many.
Teach me, O lark! with thee to greatly rise, to exalt my soul and lift it to the skies.
It is undoubtedly true, though it may seem paradoxical, – but, in general, those who are habitually employed in finding and displaying faults are unqualified for the work of reformation.
Religion is among the most powerful causes of enthusiasm.
A speculative despair is unpardonable where it our duty to act.
Good company, lively conversation, and the endearments of friendship fill the mind with great pleasure.
No man can mortgage his injustice as a pawn for his fidelity.
Toleration is good for all, or it is good for none.
Laws, like houses, lean on one another.
To tax and to please, no more than to love and to be wise, is not given to men.
Whenever our neighbour’s house is on fire, it cannot be amiss for the engines to play a little on our own.
Under the pressure of the cares and sorrows of our mortal condition, men have at all times, and in all countries, called in some physical aid to their moral consolations – wine, beer, opium, brandy, or tobacco.
In effect, to follow, not to force the public inclination; to give a direction, a form, a technical dress, and a specific sanction, to the general sense of the community, is the true end of legislature.
The person who grieves suffers his passion to grow upon him; he indulges it, he loves it; but this never happens in the case of actual pain, which no man ever willingly endured for any considerable time.
Circumstances give in reality to every political principle its distinguishing color and discriminating effect. The circumstances are what render every civil and political scheme beneficial or noxious to mankind.
The effect of liberty to individuals is that they may do what they please: we ought to see what it will please them to do, before we risk congratulations.
Dogs are indeed the most social, affectionate, and amiable animals of the whole brute creation...
The moment that government appears at market, the principles of the market will be subverted.