HISTORY
A historian who would convey the truth has got to lie. Often he must enlarge the truth by diameters, otherwise his reader would not be able to see it.
MORALS
are not the important thing—nor enlightenment—nor civilization. A man can do absolutely well without them, but he can't do without something to eat. The supremest thing is the needs of the body, not of the mind & spirit.
SUGGESTION
There is conscious suggestion & there is unconscious suggestion—both come from outside—whence all ideas come.
DUELS
I think I could wipe out a dishonor by crippling the other man, but I don't see how I could do it by letting him cripple me.
I have no feeling of animosity toward people who do not believe as I do; I merely do not respect 'em. In some serious matters (relig.) I would have them burnt.
I am old now and once was a sinner. I often think of it with a kind of soft regret. I trust my days are numbered. I would not have that detail overlooked.