Always to see the general in the particular is the very foundation of genius.

Vengeance taken will often tear the heart and torment the conscience.

No rose without a thorn but many a thorn without a rose.

It often happens that we blurt out things that may in some kind of way be harmful to us, but we are silent about things that may make us look ridiculous; because in this case effect follows very quickly on cause.

A man can surely do what he wills to do, but cannot determine what he wills.

It is a wise thing to be polite; consequently, it is a stupid thing to be rude. To make enemies by unnecessary and willful incivility, is just as insane a proceeding as to set your house on fire. For politeness is like a counter--an avowedly false coin, with which it is foolish to be stingy.

Men need some kind of external activity, because they are inactive within.