Society can and does execute its own mandates: and if it issues wrong mandates instead of right, or any mandates at all in things with which it ought not to meddle, it practises a social tyranny more formidable than many kinds of political oppression...

In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican.

I pray Heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.

Prison itself is a tremendous education in the need for patience and perseverance. It is above all a test of one's commitment.

How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?

Absolute power does not corrupt absolutely, absolute power attracts the corruptible.