If the prodigal quits life in debt to others, the miser quits it still deeper in debt to himself.

The soundest argument will produce no more conviction in an empty head than the most superficial declamation; as a feather and a guinea fall with equal velocity in a vacuum.

Pedantry crams our heads with learned lumber and takes out our brains to make room for it.

There are some who affect a want of affectation, and flatter themselves that they are above flattery; they are proud of being thought extremely humble, and would go round the world to punish those who thought them capable of revenge; they are so satisfied of the suavity of their own temper that they would quarrel with their dearest benefactor only for doubting it.

It is better to have wisdom without learning than learning without wisdom.

Total freedom from error is what none of us will allow to our neighbors; however we may be inclined to flirt a little with such spotless perfection ourselves.

Knavery is supple, and can bend, but honesty is firm and upright and yields not.