One saves oneself much pain, by taking pains; much trouble, by taking trouble.

When will talkers refrain from evil speaking? When listeners refrain from evil hearing. At present there are many so credulous of evil, they will receive suspicions and impressions against persons whom they don't know, from a person whom they do know--an authority good for nothing.

The ablest writer is only a gardener first, and then a cook: his tasks are, carefully to select and cultivate his strongest and most nutritive thoughts; and when they are ripe, to dress them, wholesomely, and yet so that they may have a relish.

There are men whom you will never dislodge from an opinion, except by taking possession of it yourself.

I could hardly feel much confidence in a man who had never been imposed upon.

I was surprised just now at seeing a cobweb around a knocker; for it was not on the door of heaven.

They who boast of their tolerance merely give others leave to be as careless about religion as they are themselves. A walrus might as well pride itself on its endurance of cold.