I would rather have it said, 'He lived usefully,' than, 'He died rich.'

In rivers and bad governments the lightest things swim at top.

Why should I give my Readers bad lines of my own when good ones of other People's are so plenty?

Who is wise? He that learns from everyone. Who is powerful? He that governs his passions. Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody.

I think with you, that nothing is of more importance for the public weal, than to form and train up youth in wisdom and virtue. Wise and good men are in my opinion, the strength of the state; more so than riches or arms.

At twenty years of age the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment.

My rule, in which I have always found satisfaction, is, never to turn aside in public affairs through views of private interest; but to go straight forward in doing what appears to me right at the time, leaving the consequences with Providence.