The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to the other creatures; but the fact that he can do wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creatures that cannot.

What's the use you learning to do right when it's troublesome to do right and ain't no trouble to do wrong, and the wages is just the same?

Each man must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your conviction is to be an unqualified and excusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let them label you as they may.

He gossips habitually; he lacks the common wisdom to keep still that deadly enemy of man, his own tongue

Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed down-stairs one step at a time.

Only when a republic's life is in danger should a man uphold his government when it is wrong. There is no other time.