The most cogent reason for restricting the interference of government is the great evil of adding unnecessarily to its power.

If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.

Although it is not true that all conservatives are stupid people, it is true that most stupid people are conservative.

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse.

A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury.

To tax the larger incomes at a higher percentage than the smaller, is to lay a tax on industry and economy; to impose a penalty on people for having worked harder and saved more than their neighbors.

One person with a belief is equal to ninety-nine who have only interests.

The only freedom which deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good, in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their efforts to obtain it.

Originality is the one thing which unoriginal minds cannot feel the use of.

I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.

Liberty lies in the rights of that person whose views you find most odious.

Poverty is the origin of invention

Children are a battle of a different sort. ... A battle without banners or warhorns but no less fierce.

Humanities are the instructors of enchantment.

Man's greatness lies in his power of thought.

I hoped I could make people smile and laugh and have a good time.

All the important things in life lie beyond reason... and that's just the way things are.

Even when I interviewed bands, it was about asking them about writing songs, so it was more for me than anybody else.

Sometimes our weakness is considered strength, and we take delight in borrowed greatness.

As actors we give so much of ourselves away so I like to keep my personal life to myself.

The still small voice is wanted.