Suppose . . . burglars had ...

Suppose . . . burglars had made entry into this . . . [library]. Picture them seated here on this floor, pouring the light of their dark-lanterns over some books they found, and thus absorbing moral truths and getting moral uplift. The whole course of their lives would have been changed. As it was, they kept straight on in their immoral way and were sent to jail. For all I know, they may next be sent to Congress.
Suppose . . . burglars had made entry into this . . . [library]. Picture them seated here on this floor, pouring the light of their dark-lanterns over some books they found, and thus absorbing moral truths and getting moral uplift. The whole course of their lives would have been changed. As it was, they kept straight on in their immoral way and were sent to jail. For all I know, they may next be sent to Congress.

Quotes from the same author

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.
Whoever is happy will make others happy, too.
Always tell the truth. That way, you don't have to remember what you said.
A thing long expected takes the form of the unexpected when at last it comes.