The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.

The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.

A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.

The distinction between children and adults, while probably useful for some purposes, is at bottom a specious one, I feel. There are only individual egos, crazy for love.

Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear.