Those that are the loudest in their threats are the weakest in their actions.

When the air balloon was first discovered, some one flippantly asked Dr. Franklin what was the use of it. The doctor answered this question by asking another: "What is the use of a new-born infant? It may become a man."

A semi-civilized state of society, equally removed from the extremes of barbarity and of refinement, seems to be that particular meridian under which all the reciprocities and gratuities of hospitality do most readily flourish and abound. For it so happens that the ease, the luxury, and the abundance of the highest state of civilization, are as productive of selfishness, as the difficulties, the privations, and the sterilities of he lowest.

Pity a thing often avowed, seldom felt; hatred is a thing often felt, seldom avowed.

The firmest of friendships have been formed in mutual adversity, as iron is most strongly united by the fiercest flame.

It is easier to pretend to be what you are not than to hide what you really are; but he that can accomplish both has little to learn in hypocrisy.

Genius, in one respect, is like gold; numbers of persons are constantly writing about both, who have neither.