“Ignorance, when it is voluntary, is criminal; and he may be properly charged with evil who refused to learn how he might prevent it.”

Advice is seldom welcome. Those who need it most, like it least.

No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned. A man in a jail has more room, better food, and commonly better company.

When once the forms of civility are violated, there remains little hope of return to kindness or decency.

Language is the dress of thought; every time you talk your mind is on parade.

It is better to live rich than to die rich.

There are two types of knowledge. One is knowing a thing. The other is knowing where to find it.

Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he does not possess.

A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization.

Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter.

Men more frequently require to be reminded than informed.

Women have two weapons – cosmetics and tears

Sir, I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to find you an understanding.

What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.

Slander is the revenge of a coward, and dissimulation of his defense.

I never desire to converse with a man who has written more than he has read.

Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.

The supreme crime of the church to-day is that everywhere and in all its operations and influences it is on the side of sloth of mind; that it banishes brains, it sanctifies stupidity, it canonizes incompetence.

Hate crimes are the scariest thing in the world because these people really believe what they’re doing is right.

The common argument that crime is caused by poverty is a kind of slander on the poor.

In the name of religion many great and fine deeds have been performed. In the name of religion also, thousands and millions have been killed, and every possible crime has been committed.

I’m sure anyone who likes a good crime, provided it is not the victim.

And is it not obvious that, just as it is a crime to disturb the peace when truth reigns, it is also a crime to remain at peace when the truth is being destroyed?

Paintings are seldom guilty and often framed for crimes they did not commit. Some cover holes-holes in walls, holes in lives. Some make holes-in wallets, holes in hearts in negative space.

Crimes against children are the most heinous crime. That, for me, would be a reason for capital punishment because children are innocent and need the guidance of an adult society.