I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in providence, for the illumination of the ignorant and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth.
Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people, by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations.
We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind of self-government; upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.
Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.
Mankind have a great aversion to intellectual labor; but even supposing knowledge to be easily attainable, more people would be content to be ignorant than would take even a little trouble to acquire it.
Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel.
That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.
Why is there ever this perverse cruelty in humankind, that makes us hurt most those we love best?
I love mankind ... it's people I can't stand!!
Humor is mankind's greatest blessing.