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Mere negation, mere Epicurean infidelity, as Lord Bacon most justly observes, has never disturbed the peace of the world. It furnishes no motive for action it inspires no enthusiasm it has no missionaries, no crusades, no martyrs.

Thomas B. Macaulay

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Thomas B. Macaulay
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It has often been found that profuse expenditures, heavy taxation, absurd commercial restrictions, corrupt tribunals, disastrous wars, seditions, persecutions, conflagrations, inundation, have not been able to destroy capital so fast as the exertions of private citizens have been able to create it.
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Our estimate of a character always depends much on the manner in which that character affects our own interests and passions.
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He who, in an enlightened and literary society, aspires to be a great poet, must first become a little child.
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The impenetrable stupidity of Prince George (son-in-law of James II) served his turn. It was his habit, when any news was told him, to exclaim, Est il possible?-Is it possible?
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The real object of the drama is the exhibition of human character.
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Was none who would be foremost To lead such dire attack But those behind cried Forward! And those before cried Back!
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