William Godwin Quotes & Sayings

“He that loves reading has everything within his reach.”

“The cause of justice is the cause of humanity. Its advocates should overflow with universal good will. We should love this cause, for it conduces to the general happiness of mankind.”

“Perseverance is an active principle, and cannot continue to operate but under the influence of desire.”

“Above all we should not forget that government is an evil, a usurpation upon the private judgement and individual conscience of mankind.”

“Study with desire is real activity; without desire it is but the semblance and mockery of activity.”

“The philosophy of the wisest man that ever existed, is mainly derived from the act of introspection.”

“If he who employs coercion against me could mould me to his purposes by argument, no doubt he would. He pretends to punish me because his argument is strong; but he really punishes me because his argument is weak.”

“The execution of any thing considerable implies in the first place previous persevering meditation.”

“Revolution is engendered by an indignation with tyranny, yet is itself pregnant with tyranny.”

“The great model of the affection of love in human beings is the sentiment which subsists between parents and children.”