212 Quotes by Thomas Babington Macaulay

Both in individuals and in masses violent excitement is always followed by remission, and often by reaction. We are all inclined to depreciate whatever we have overpraised, and, on the other hand, to show undue indulgence where we have shown undue rigor.

We know no spectacle so ridiculous as the British public in one of its periodical fits of morality.

A few more years will destroy whatever yet remains of that magical potency which once belonged to the name of Byron.

There is no country in Europe which is so easy to over-run as Spain; there is no country which it is more difficult to conquer.

Such night in England ne’er had been, nor ne’er again shall be.

Many politicians are in the habit of laying it down as a self-evident proposition that no people ought to be free till they are fit to use their freedom. The maxim is worthy of the fool in the old story who resolved not to go into the water till he had learned to swim.

At present, the novels which we owe to English ladies form no small part of the literary glory of our country. No class of works is more honorably distinguished for fine observation, by grace, by delicate wit, by pure moral feeling.

The best portraits are those in which there is a slight mixture of caricature.

It is good to be often reminded of the inconsistency of human nature, and to learn to look without wonder or disgust on the weaknesses which are found in the strongest minds.