Mankind have always wandered or settled, agreed or quarrelled, in troops and companies. - Adam Ferguson

…if we intend to pursue the history of our species in its further attainments, we may soon enter on subjects which will confine our observation to more narrow limits. The genius of political wisdom and civil arts appears to have chosen his seats in particular tracts of the earth, and to have selected his favourites in particular races of men.

In every commercial state, notwithstanding any pretension to equal rights, the exaltation of a few must depress the many.

The history of mankind is confined within a limited period, and from every quarter brings an intimation that human affairs have had a beginning.