“I know how easy it is for some minds to glide along with the current of popular opinion, where influence, respectability, and all those motives which tend to seduce the human heart are brought to bear.”

I am not unconscious of the persuasive power exerted by these considerations to drag men along in the current; but I am not at liberty to travel that road.

I am not unaware how unpopular on this floor are the sentiments I am about to advocate.

As a Senator I am opposed to duelling. As Ben. Wade, I recognize the code.

Sometimes it leads me even to hesitate whether I am strictly correct in my idea that all men are born to equal rights, for their conduct seems to me to contravene the doctrine.

I have always believed, heretofore, in the doctrines of the Declaration of Independence, that all men are born free and equal; but of late it appears that some men are born slaves, and I regret that they are not black, so all the world might know them.

The humiliation of the North is complete and overwhelming.

Sir, I am no sycophant or worshipper of power anywhere.

I may fall here in the Senate chamber, but I will. never make any compromise with any such men.

I am amazed at the facility with which some men follow in the wake of slavery.

The greatest misfortune of all is not to be able to bear misfortune.

Though the rich of this earth find no difficulty in creating misery, they can’t bear to see it.

A defensive investor can always prosper by looking patiently and calmly through the wreckage of a bear market.

Plato’s dialogues bear at least some similarities to the classical plays.

Bears don’t live on Park Avenue.

Let argument bear no unmusical sound.

I was christened Edward. My sister gave me the name Bear when I was a week old and it has stuck.

Only good things come from God’s hands. He never gives you more than you can bear. Every burden prepares you for eternity.