That which happens to the soil when it ceases to be cultivated by the social man happens to man himself when he foolishly forsakes society for solitude; the brambles grow up in his desert heart.

The despotism of will in ideas is styled plan, project, character, obstinacy; its despotism in desires is called passion.

It is, no doubt, an immense advantage to have done nothing, but one should not abuse it.

Gold like the sun, which melts wax, but hardens clay, expands great souls.

Youth is not the era of wisdom; let us therefore have due consideration.

Mutability is written upon all things.

The most civilized people are as near to barbarism as the most polished steel is to rust. Nations, like metals, have only a superficial brilliancy.