ancient history

“ We do not need the praises of a Homer, or of anyone else whose words may delight us for the moment, but the estimation of facts will fall short of what is really true. ”

“ ...our strength lies, in our opinion, not in deliberation and discussion, but that knowledge which is gained by discussion preparatory to action. ”

“ Mankind are tolerant of the praises of others so long as each hearer thinks that he can do as well or nearly as well himself, but, when the speaker rises above him, jealousy is aroused and he begins to be incredulous. ”

“ Make up your minds that happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous. ”

“ Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to others than imitators ourselves. ”

“ We alone do good to our neighbors not upon a calculation of interest, but in the confidence of freedom and in a frank and fearless spirit. ”

“ Future ages will wonder at us, as the present age wonders at us now. ”

“ ...esteeming courage to be freedom and freedom to be happiness, do not weigh too nicely the perils of war. ”

“ The freedom which we enjoy in our government extends also to our ordinary life. ”

“ Instead of looking on discussion as a stumbling block in the way of action, we think it an indispensable preliminary to any wise action at all. ”