Let me not be understood as saying that there are no bad laws, nor that grievances may not arise for the redress of which no legal provisions have been made. I mean to say no such thing. But I do mean to say that although bad laws, if they exist, should be repealed as soon as possible, still, while they continue in force, for the sake of example they should be religiously observed.

How poor are they who have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees.

A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury.

There are, in every age, new errors to be rectified and new prejudices to be opposed.

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler.

Opinions founded on prejudice are always sustained with the greatest of violence.

A good word is an easy obligation; but not to speak ill, requires only our silence, which costs nothing.

The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.

If our democracy is to flourish, it must have criticism; if our government is to function it must have dissent.

All legislation, all government, all society is founded upon the principle of mutual concession, politeness, comity, courtesy; upon these everything is based...Let him who elevates himself above humanity, above its weaknesses, its infirmities, its wants, its necessities, say, if he pleases, I will never compromise; but let no one who is not above the frailties of our common nature disdain compromises.