Notwithstanding my experiments with electricity the thunderbolt continues to fall under our noses and beards; and as for the tyrant, there are a million of us still engaged at snatching away his sceptre.

Thinking aloud is a habit which is responsible for most of mankind's misery.

There are two ways to increase your wealth. Increase your means or decrease your wants. The best is to do both at the same time.

I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that "except the Lord build they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel

The problem with common sense is, it isn't.

Let each new year find you a better person.

Little strokes fell great oaks.