There are two modes of establishing our reputation; to be praised by honest men, and to be abused by rogues.

Nothing more completely baffles one who is full of trick and duplicity than straigthforward and simple integrity in another. A knave would rather quarrel with a brother knave than with a fool, but he would rather avoid a quarrel with one honest man than with both. He can combat a fool by management and address, and he can conquer a knave by temptations. But the honest man is neither to be bamboozled nor bribed.

It is always safe to learn, even from our enemies; seldom safe to venture to instruct, even our friends.

We ask advice but we mean approbation.

Knowledge is two-fold, and consists not only in an affirmation of what is true, but in the negation of that which is false.

He that sympathizes in all the happiness of others, perhaps himself enjoys the safest happiness.

There is a holy love and a holy rage, and our best virtues never glow so brightly as when our passions are excited in the cause. Sloth, if it has prevented many crimes, has also smothered many virtues; and the best of us are better when roused.