Learn to limit yourself, to content yourself with some definite thing, and some definite work; dare to be what you are, and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not and to believe in your own individuality.

Nonsense and noise will oft prevail, when honour and affection fail.

Individuals may form communities, but it is institutions alone that can create a nation.

I repeat...that all power is a trust; that we are accountable for its exercise; that from the people, and for the people all springs, and all must exist.

A man is not idle because he is absorbed in thought. There is visible labour and there is invisible labour.

Noise is the most impertinent of all forms of interruption. It is not only an interruption, but is also a disruption of thought.

One can acquire everything in solitude - except character.

When you have nothing to say, say nothing.

I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.