"The general tendency of things throughout the world is to render mediocrity the ascendant power among mankind."

"Despotism is a legitimate mode of government in dealing with barbarians, provided the end be their improvement."

"A state which dwarfs its men, in order that they may be more docile instruments in its hands even for beneficial purposes, will find that with small men no great thing can really be accomplished."

"The only security against error is in the discussion of every subject, and the careful examination of all arguments, by which it can be supported or opposed."

"Most of the great positive evils of the world are in themselves removable, and will, if human affairs continue to improve, be in a great degree reduced in bulk."