Many politicians are in the habit of laying it down as a self-evident proposition that no people ought to be free till they are fit to use their freedom. The maxim is worthy of the fool in the old story who resolved not to go into the water till he had learned to swim. Thomas Babington Macaulay evidentfitfool share on social
Few of the many wise apothegms which have been uttered have prevented a single foolish action. Thomas Babington Macaulay actionapothegmfoolish Change image and share on social
And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, and the temples of his Gods? Thomas Babington Macaulay ashedieface Change image and share on social
Turn where we may, within, around, the voice of great events is proclaiming to us, Reform, that you may preserve! Thomas Babington Macaulay eventgreatpreserve Change image and share on social
An acre in Middlesex is better than a principality in Utopia. Thomas Babington Macaulay acremiddlesexprincipality Change image and share on social
The highest proof of virtue is to possess boundless power without abusing it. Thomas Babington Macaulay abuseboundlesshigh Change image and share on social
The puritan hated bear baiting, not because it gave pain to the bear, but because it gave pleasure to the spectators. Thomas Babington Macaulay baitbeargive Change image and share on social
None of the modes by which a magistrate is appointed, popular election, the accident of the lot, or the accident of birth, affords, as far as we can perceive, much security for his being wiser than any of his neighbours. Thomas Babington Macaulay accidentaffordappoint share on social
I would rather be poor in a cottage full of books than a king without the desire to read. Thomas Babington Macaulay bookcottagedesire Change image and share on social
The English Bible - a book which, if everything else in our language should perish, would alone suffice to show the whole extent of its beauty and power. Thomas Babington Macaulay beautybiblebook Change image and share on social