Maxioms by James Fenimore Cooper
Whenever the government of the United States shall break up, it will probably be in consequence of a false direction read more
Whenever the government of the United States shall break up, it will probably be in consequence of a false direction having been given to publick opinion. This is the weak point of our defenses, and the part to which the enemies of the system will direct all their attacks. Opinion can be so perverted as to cause the false to seem the true; the enemy, a friend, and the friend, an enemy; the best interests of the nation to appear insignificant, and trifles of moment; in a word, the right the wrong, and the wrong the right.
...no civilized society can long exist, with an active power in its bosom that is stronger than the law.
...no civilized society can long exist, with an active power in its bosom that is stronger than the law.
It is a governing principle of nature, that the agency which can produce most good, when perverted from its proper read more
It is a governing principle of nature, that the agency which can produce most good, when perverted from its proper aim, is most productive of evil. It behooves the well-intentioned, therefore, vigorously to watch the tendency of even their most highly prized institutions, since that which was established in the interests of the right, may so easily become the agent of the wrong.
The press, like fire, is an excellent servant, but a terrible master.
The press, like fire, is an excellent servant, but a terrible master.
Ignorance and superstition ever bear a close and mathematical relation to each other.
Ignorance and superstition ever bear a close and mathematical relation to each other.
