The tendency of democracies is, in all things, to mediocrity. James F. Cooper democracymediocritytendency Change image and share on social
Whenever the government of the United States shall break up, it will probably be in consequence of a false direction having been given to public opinion. James F. Cooper breakconsequencedirection Change image and share on social
It is a misfortune that necessity has induced men to accord greater license to this formidable engine, in order to obtain liberty, than can be borne with less important objects in view; for the press, like fire, is an excellent servant, but a terrible master. James F. Cooper accordbearengine share on social
All greatness of character is dependent on individuality. The man who has no other existence than that which he partakes in common with all around him, will never have any other than an existence of mediocrity. James F. Cooper charactercommondependent share on social
The disposition of all power is to abuses, nor does it at all mend the matter that its possessors are a majority. James F. Cooper abusedispositionmajority Change image and share on social
Ignorance and superstition ever bear a close and mathematical relation to each other. James F. Cooper bearcloseignorance Change image and share on social
The common faults of American language are an ambition of effect, a want of simplicity, and a turgid abuse of terms. James F. Cooper abuseambitionamerican Change image and share on social
All that a good government aims at... is to add no unnecessary and artificial aid to the force of its own unavoidable consequences, and to abstain from fortifying and accumulating social inequality as a means of increasing political inequalities. James F. Cooper abstainaccumulateadd share on social
Slavery is no more sinful, by the Christian code, than it is sinful to wear a whole coat, while another is in tatters, to eat a better meal than a neighbor, or otherwise to enjoy ease and plenty, while our fellow creatures are suffering and in want. James F. Cooper christiancoatcode share on social
Individuality is the aim of political liberty. By leaving the citizen as much freedom of action and of being as comports with order and the rights of others, the institutions render him truly a freeman. He is left to pursue his means of happiness in his own manner. James F. Cooper actionaimcitizen share on social
