The over-bearing insolence of ignorant men, who had arisen to sudden wealth by successful gambling, made men of true gentility of mind and manners blush that gold should have power to raise the unworthy in the scale of society.
~ Charles MacKay

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The intrigues of unworthy courtiers to gain the favour of still more unworthy kings, or the records of murderous battles and sieges, have been dilated on, and told over and over again, with all the eloquence of style and all the charms of fancy; while the circumstances which have most deeply affected the morals and welfare of the people have been passed over with but slight notice, as dry and dull, and capable of neither warmth nor colouring.
~ Charles MacKay

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Nations, like individuals, cannot become desperate gamblers with impunity. Punishment is sure to overtake them sooner or later.
~ Charles MacKay

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Of all the nations in the world the French are the most renowned for singing over their grievances. Of that country it has been remarked with some truth, that its whole history may be traced in its songs.
~ Charles MacKay

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Every age has its peculiar folly: Some scheme, project, or fantasy into which it plunges, spurred on by the love of gain, the necessity of excitement, or the force of imitation.
~ Charles MacKay

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During seasons of great pestilence, men have often believed the prophecies of crazed fanatics, that the end of the world was come.
~ Charles MacKay

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Credulity is always greatest in times of calamity.
~ Charles MacKay

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