The quote database

there is no surer or more necessary restraint on the violence of an unruly multitude, than the presence of some one whose character and bearing command respect

It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, it is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with.

princes ought to leave affairs of reproach to the management of others, and keep those of grace in their own hands

injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavour of them may last longer

Every effort under compulsion demands a sacrifice of life-energy.

The past material conditions of life have gone for ever; no will of man can recall them.

We demand nothing more than this, and we will take nothing less.

Free trade in labour and equality of training, intellectual or physical, is essential if the organic aptitudes of a sex or class are to be determined.

The ultimate effect of parasitism is always a paralysis of the will and an inability to compel oneself into any course of action for the moment unpleasurable and exhaustive.

True magnanimity consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Great cases, like hard cases, make bad law. For great cases are called great, not by reason of their real importance in shaping the law of the future, but because of some accident of immediate overwhelming interest which appeals to the feelings and distorts the judgment.

This case is decided upon an economic theory which a large part of the country does not entertain.

a Constitution is not intended to embody a particular economic theory, whether of paternalism and the organic relation of the citizen to the state or of laissez faire

The only difference between the expression of an opinion and an incitement in the narrower sense is the speaker's enthusiasm for the result.

success is the child of drudgery and perseverance. It cannot be coaxed or bribed; pay the price, and it is yours.

For this reason there is no truth comparable to sorrow.

who did not delay for any formal vote to empower him to do so, but followed him because he was born to command

Only, my dear wife, let us both be patient at this calamity.

freedom in speech is friendly and has weight, but reproach is selfish and little

we ought to give our friend pain if it will benefit him, but not to the extent of breaking off our friendship; but just as we make use of some biting medicine, that will save and preserve the life of the patient

It is the function of religion not to destroy our nature but to fulfil it.

We gain our freedom when we attain our truest nature.

All our egoistic impulses, our selfish desires, obscure our true vision of the soul.

He who is wise tries to harmonise the wishes that seek for self-gratification with the wish for the social good, and only thus can he realise his higher self.

If you can love me for what I am, we shall be the happier.