Quotes By William Godwin

Every man has a certain sphere of discretion which he has a right to expect shall not be infringed by his neighbours. This right flows from the very nature of man.

One of the prerogatives by which man is eminently distinguished from all other living beings inhabiting this globe of earth, consists in the gift of reason.

Let us not, in the eagerness of our haste to educate, forget all the ends of education.

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.

Man is the only creature we know, that, when the term of his natural life is ended, leaves the memory of himself behind him.

There is reverence that we owe to everything in human shape.

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.

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

They held it their duty to live but for their country.

To him it is an ocean, unfathomable, and without a shore.