The public is wiser than the wisest critic. – George Bancroft
Beauty is but the sensible image of the Infinite. Like truth and justice it lives within us like virtue and the moral law it is a companion of the soul. – George Bancroft
Where the people possess no authority, their rights obtain no respect. – George Bancroft
In nine times out of ten, the slanderous tongue belongs to a disappointed person. – George Bancroft
The urgent consideration of the public safety may undoubtedly authorize the violation of every positive law. How far that or any other consideration may operate to dissolve the natural obligations of humanity and justice, is a doctrine of which I still desire to remain ignorant. – Edward Gibbon
The worthiest man to be known, and for a pattern to be presented to the world, he is the man of whom we have most certain knowledge. He hath been declared and enlightened by the most clear-seeing men that ever were; the testimonies we have of him are in faithfulness and sufficiency most admirable. – Michel de Montaigne