212 Quotes by Thomas Babington Macaulay

I have not the smallest doubt that, if we had a purely democratic government here, the effect would be the same. Either the poor would plunder the rich, and civilisation would perish; or order and property would be saved by a strong military government, and liberty would perish.

Scotland by no means escaped the fate ordained for every country which is connected, but not incorporated, with another country of greater resources.

Highest among those who have exhibited human nature by means of dialogue stands Shakespeare. His variety is like the variety of nature, – endless diversity, scarcely any monstrosity.

I would rather be poor in a cottage full of books than a king without the desire to read.

Temple was a man of the world amongst men of letters, a man of letters amongst men of the world.

Men are never so likely to settle a question rightly as when they discuss it freely.

Men naturally sympathize with the calamities of individuals; but they are inclined to look on a fallen party with contempt rather than with pity.

Finesse is the best adaptation of means to circumstances.

Nobles by the right of an earlier creation, and priests by the imposition of a mightier hand.