Leaves are light, and useless, and idle, and wavering, and changeable; they even dance; and yet God in his wisdom has made them a part of oaks. And in so doing he has given us a lesson, not to deny the stout-heartedness within because we see the lightsomeness without.

There is as much difference between good poetry and fine verses, as between the smell of a flower-garden and of a perfumer's shop.

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

If you wish a general to be beaten, send him a ream full of instructions; if you wish him to succeed, give him a destination, and bid him conquer.

Some persons take reproof good-humoredly enough, unless you are so unlucky as to hit a sore place. Then they wince and writhe, and start up and knock you down for your impertinence, or wish you good morning.

Philosophy is the love of wisdom: Christianity is the wisdom of love.

Every wise man lives in an observatory.