The universe seems bankrupt as soon as we begin to discuss the characters of individuals. – Henry David Thoreau

Let me be thankful first, because I never was robbed before; second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, although they took my all, it was not much; and fourthly, because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed. – Matthew Henry (1662–1714)

Little boldness is needed to assail the opinions and practices of notoriously wicked men; but to rebuke great and good men for their conduct, and to impeach their discernment, is the highest effort of moral courage. – William Lloyd Garrison