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.

The praises of others may be of use in teaching us, not what we are, but what we ought to be.

Moral prejudices are the stopgaps of virtue; and, as is the case with other stopgaps, it is often more difficult to get either out or in through them than through any other part of the fence.

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

Philosophy cannot raise the commonalty up to her level: so, if she is to become popular, she must sink to theirs.

How deeply rooted must unbelief be in our hearts when we are surprised to find our prayers answered.

Curiosity is little more than another name for Hope.