We often pretend to fear what we really despise, and more often despise what we really fear.

Philosophy is a bully that talks loud when the danger is at a distant; but, the moment she is pressed hard by an enemy, she is nowhere to be found and leaves the brunt of the battle to be fought by her steady, humble comrade, religion.

Criticism is like champagne, nothing more execrable if bad, nothing more excellent if good; if meagre, muddy, vapid and sour, both are fit only to engender colic and wind; but if rich, generous and sparkling, they communicate a genial glow to the spirits, improve the taste, and expand the heart.

Wealth is a relative thing since those who have little and want less are richer than those who have much but want more.

He that places himself neither higher nor lower than he ought to do exercises the truest humility.

We own almost all our knowledge not to those who have agreed but to those who have differed.

It has been well observed that the tongue discovers the state of the mind no less than that of the body; but in either case, before the philosopher or the physician can judge, the patient must open his mouth.