Logic and metaphysics make use of more tools than all the rest of the sciences put together, and do the least work.
Charles Caleb ColtonA coxcomb begins by determining that his own profession is the first; and he finishes by deciding that he is the first of profession.
Charles Caleb ColtonTo know the pains of power, we must go to those who have it; to know its pleasures, we must go to those who are seeking it: the pains of power are real, its pleasures imaginary.
Charles Caleb ColtonThere are three kinds of praise, that which we yield, that which we lend, and that which we pay. We yield it to the powerful from fear, we lend it to the weak from interest, and we pay it to the deserving from gratitude.
Charles Caleb ColtonHe that openly tells, his friends all that he thinks of them, must expect that they will secretly tell his enemies much that they do not think of him.
Charles Caleb ColtonVery great personages are not likely to form very just estimates either of others or of themselves; their knowledge of themselves is obscured by the flattery of others; their knowledge of others is equally clouded by circumstances peculiar to themselves. For in the presence of the great, the modest are sure to suffer from too much diffidence, and the confident from too much display.
Charles Caleb Colton