A great empire, like a great cake, is most easily diminished at the edges.

Indeed the general natural Tendency of Reading good History, must be, to fix in the Minds of Youth deep Impressions of the Beauty and Usefulness of Virtue of all Kinds, Publick Spirit, Fortitude.

Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle.

We may give advice, but we cannot give conduct.

The devil wipes his breech with poor folks' pride.

The expenses required to prevent a war are much lighter than those that will, if not prevented, be absolutely necessary to maintain it.

I have never seen the Philosopher's Stone that turns lead into Gold, but I have known the pursuit of it turn a Man's Gold into Lead.