America owes most of its social prejudices to the exaggerated religious opinions of the different sects which were so instrumental in establishing the colonies. James Fenimore Cooper Read Quote
Paris enjoys a high reputation for the style of its public edifices, and, while there is a very great deal to condemn, compared with other capitals, I think it is entitled to a distinguished place in this particular. James Fenimore Cooper Read Quote
I can never tire of speaking of the bridges of Paris. By day and by night have I paused on them to gaze at their views; the word not being too comprehensive for the crowds and groupings of objects that are visible from their arches. James Fenimore Cooper Read Quote
Knowledge is the parent of knowledge. He who possesses most of the information of his age will not quietly submit to neglect its current acquisitions, but will go on improving as long as means and opportunities offer; while he who finds himself ignorant of most things, is only too apt to shrink from a labour which becomes Herculean. James Fenimore Cooper Read Quote
It is a governing principle of nature, that the agency which can produce most good, when perverted from its proper aim, is most productive of evil. James Fenimore Cooper Read Quote
The disposition of all power is to abuses, nor does it at all mend the matter that its possessors are a majority. James Fenimore Cooper Read Quote
Systems are to be appreciated by their general effects, and not by particular exceptions. James Fenimore Cooper Read Quote
They who have reasoned ignorantly, or who have aimed at effecting their personal ends by flattering the popular feeling, have boldly affirmed that ‘one man is as good as another;’ a maxim that is true in neither nature, revealed morals, nor political theory. James Fenimore Cooper Read Quote
Slavery is no more sinful, by the Christian code, than it is sinful to wear a whole coat, while another is in tatters, to eat a better meal than a neighbor, or otherwise to enjoy ease and plenty, while our fellow creatures are suffering and in want. James Fenimore Cooper Read Quote
